Red Flags for Hearing

It is very important that children are hearing as well as possible.Good hearing is critical for speech and language development.Ideally hearing should be checked at birth and then closely monitored.

If your child has trouble with any of the following their hearing should be immediately assessed by a professional:

From birth to 3 months:

• Startles or cries at loud noises.
• Stops moving and seem to listen to speech or sounds.
• Awakens at a loud sound.

From 3 to 6 months:

• Looks toward a sound or speaker.
• Smiles when spoken to.
• Recognizes mother’s voice.
• Enjoys rattles and other toys that make sounds.

From 6 to 9 months:

• Responds to his or her name.
• Babbles and make lots of different sounds.
• Responds to “no”.

From 9 to 12 months:  

• Turns or looks when name is called.
• Listens to people talking.
• Responds to simple commands like “give me” and “come here”.
• Understands “bye-bye”.

From 12 to 18 months:

• Points to objects or familiar people by name.
• Imitates simple sounds or words.
• Follows simple spoken directions.

From 18 months to 5 years:

• Hears you call from another room.
• Hears and understands conversation easily.
• Hears TV or music at the same loudness level as everyone else.
• Hears quiet speech.
• Has normal voice qualities.
• Has normal verbal language development (vocabulary, speech sounds, sentence structure).
• Shows social report and emotional development appropriate for his age.

Ear infections need to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.The fluid that can build up behind the ear drum causes a significant hearing disruption.If this goes on for too long or happens to frequently delays are likely.

I hope this helps.  

Let me know if you have any questions. You can reach through my Contact Page or email me at SLP@Speech-Therapyathome.com.

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