Skip to main content
Go to homepage

Print Page

How Will I Know if My Child Has Trouble Hearing?

My husband has had a hearing loss since he was a child. How will I know if our baby also has a hearing problem?
Joyce

Hearing loss can run in families. Your baby's doctor will monitor your little one’s hearing closely. If there is a hearing problem, treatment should begin as soon as possible.

In most states, newborns get a hearing screening before going home. If it's not done then, or a baby was born at home or a birthing center, it's important to check their hearing within the first 3 weeks of life.

A baby who doesn't pass a hearing screen doesn't necessarily have a hearing loss. A repeat hearing test should be done by 3 months of age. If it confirms a hearing problem, doctors recommend starting treatment before 6 months.

Even newborns who pass their initial hearing screening should be watched for signs that they might not be hearing well. Children with hearing loss won’t respond to sounds or their language development may be slow. Hearing milestones in the first year of life include:

  • Most newborns startle or "jump" to sudden loud noises.
  • By 3 months, a baby recognizes and calms to a parent's voice.
  • By 6 months, babies turn their eyes or head toward a new sound and repeat sounds.
  • By 12 months, babies make babbling sounds, responds to their name, imitate words, and may say a few words, such as "Mama" or "bye-bye."

Children may be at higher risk for hearing loss if they:

Your doctor will check your child's hearing at regular checkups. Hearing tests begin when kids are 4 years old. If you have any concerns about your baby's hearing, talk with your doctor.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date Reviewed: Jul 6, 2021

Lea este articulo en Español

What next?

Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
There are 10 nurses in the picture.

And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The five differences are:
– Phone color
– Coat pocket
– Stethoscope earpiece color
– Stethoscope bell dot
– Clipboard paper color

Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The two matching doctors are 9 and 14.

With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The correct path:
The Correct Path
We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.