But, did you know that hearing loss is one of the most frequently occurring birth defects? According to the NIDCD (the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders) approximately 2-3 of every 1000 babies born have significant hearing loss or deafness.
Countless studies have supported the fact that the earlier a child is diagnosed with hearing loss, the better. Undetected and untreated hearing loss in early childhood can hinder the normal development of speech, language and cognition, which in time can lead to significant learning disabilities and exorbitant educational costs. The National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) reports that detecting and treating hearing loss at birth for one child saves $400,000 in special education costs by the time that child graduates from high school.
Most states have programs in place that ensure babies are screening within their first month of life. In Ohio, legislation requires each hospital or free-standing birthing center to conduct hearing screening on each newborn before discharge (unless transferred to another hospital). It goes on to require a complete follow-up test before 3 months of age on any baby who fails the screening, and after that, if hearing loss is confirmed, treatment must be in place by 6 months of age. (Yeah Ohio!) For information on Ohio's newborn hearing screening program, visit http://www.ohiohelpmegrow.org/parents/infanthearing/infanthearing.aspx
However, there a babies born who pass a newborn hearing screening and lose hearing later in life. It is important to know the normal auditory development of babies, so you can follow along with your child's development and talk to the pediatrician if questions arise. Just remember - not all babies develop exactly the same way, that's why there are such age ranges here. And, trust your own motherly (or fatherly) instincts. If you have a concern, don't hesitate to ask someone who knows.
BIRTH – 3 MONTHS | - Reacts to loud sounds - Is soothed by your voice - Turns head to you when you speak - Is awakened by loud voices and sounds - Smiles when spoken to - Seems to know your voice and quiets down if crying |
3 – 6 MONTHS | - Looks upward or turns toward a new sound - Responds to changes in voice tone - Imitates his/her own voice - Enjoys rattles and other toys that make sounds - Begins to repeat sounds (such as ooh, aah, & ba-ba) |
6 – 10 MONTHS | - Knows words for everyday objects (i.e. cup) as well as common sayings ("bye-bye") - Makes babbling sounds, even when alone - Starts to respond to requests such as "come here" - Looks at things or pictures when someone talks about them - Responds to his/her own name, telephone ringing, or your voice |
10 – 15 MONTHS | - Plays with own voice, enjoying the sounds & feel of it - Points to or looks at familiar objects or people when prompted - Imitates simple words & sounds; may use a few single words meaningfully - Enjoys games like peeka-boo & pat-a-cake |
15 – 18 MONTHS | - Follows simple directions such as "Give me the ball" - Uses words he/she has heard often - Comments, points to objects, vocalizes or uses word approximations or single words |
18 – 24 MONTHS | - Understands simple "yes-no" questions ("Are you hungry?") - Understands simple phrases ("in the cup") - Enjoys being read to - Points to pictures when asked - Uses 2-word combinations to talk about or ask for things |
24 – 36 MONTHS | - Understands "not now" - Follows simple directions such as "get your shoes" - Understands many action words (run, jump) - Begins to use articles ("a" "the") and word endings (e.g., "ing, "ed") - Engages in short dialogues |
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