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Is My Child's Hearing Okay?

By iVillage Staff - April 11, 2001

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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Many parents worry about their child's hearing. The otoacoustic emissions test (OAE), which measures hearing at the inner-ear level, is now done on most newborns; if your infant hasn't been tested, your doctor can arrange it. Even perfect hearing can be affected by frequent ear infections or exposure to loud noises, through, so talk to your doctor if you're concerned. And for reassurance, note these hearing-development guidelines from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders:

Birth to 3 Months

startles or jumps at sudden loud sounds
Stirs, awakens or cries when someone talks or makes noise
Recognizes your voice and seems to listen
Makes oooh and aaah sounds

3 to 6 Months

Your baby turns toward interesting sounds
Usually awakens when someone makes a noise
Beings to repeat sounds like baba

6 to 12 Months

Your baby understands no, bye-bye and his or her own name
Begins to imitate speech sounds or babble
Enjoys toys that make noise

12 to 18 Months

Your baby says first real, recognizable words, like Mama or Dada

Can point to familiar objects when named

18 to 24 Months

Your baby understands simple yes or no questions such as "Are you hungry?"
Understands simple phrases such as "go to the park"
Understands action words such as "climb" or "run"

For more information, please read Testing Your Child's Hearing.

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