Child Hearing Health Guidelines

Parents can check their baby’s hearing. Begin by being certain that the baby is happy and in a quiet room. The following signs indicate healthy hearing.

Age birth to three months

Does the baby:

• Startle or jump when there is a sudden loud sound?
• Stir or wake up and cry when someone talks or makes noise?
• Recognize and be quieted and sometimes pacified by the sound of your voice? 

Age three to six months

Does the baby: 

• Turn his or her eyes to look for an interesting sound?
• Respond to your voice?
• Turn his or her eyes toward you when calling the baby’s name? 

Age six to 12 months

Does the baby:

• Turn toward interesting sounds and toward the parent when his or her name is called from behind?
• Understand no, bye-bye and similar common words?
• Search or look around when hearing new sounds? 
  
  

If the baby cannot do these things, check with the baby’s doctor.