Signs of hearing loss in children

Some elements can indicate that a child is affected by hearing loss.

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Page contents

  • The signs of hearing loss in children.
  • Typical speaking milestones for children.

The signs of hearing loss aren't always obvious. Here are some things to look for, plus a guide to hearing and speech development in young children.

In most cases, hearing difficulties in children are detected soon after birth. For example, during the evaluation of neonatal deafness screening or if a parent notices their baby does not react to loud sounds close to his or her head.

In other cases, however, it may be more difficult to identify when a child has hearing problems, especially if they haven't started talking yet. For this reason, parents should be aware of certain signs and symptoms of hearing problems in young children.

Some possible signs of hearing loss in an infant or toddler

  • Does not react to loud sounds.

  • Does not seek out or detect where sound is coming from.

  • Has stopped babbling and experimenting with making sounds.

  • Still babbles but is not progressing to more understandable speech.

  • Doesn't react to voices, even when being held.

Ages and stages when children typically learn to listen and speak1

Knowing more about hearing and speech development milestones can be helpful. Use these guidelines to better understand how children progress.

Age

Hearing and understanding

Speech and language

Birth to three months

  • Startles at loud sounds

  • Smiles when spoken to

  • Seems to recognise parent's voice and quietens if crying

  • Changes sucking behaviour in response to sound

  • Makes cooing sounds

  • Cries differently for different needs

  • Smiles when sees parent

4-6 months

  • Moves eyes in direction of sounds

  • Responds to changes in tone of your voice

  • Notices toys that make sounds

  • Pays attention to music

  • Babbling sounds are becoming more speech-like

  • Vocalises excitement and displeasure

  • Makes gurgling sounds when left alone and when playing with you

7 months-1 year

  • Enjoys games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake

  • Turns to look in the direction of sounds

  • Listens when spoken to

  • Recognises words for common items like "cup","shoe"

  • Babbling has both long and short groups of sounds such as "up-up"

  • Uses speech or non-crying sound to get and keep attention

  • Imitates different speech sounds

  • Has one or two words ("bye-bye", "dada", "mama"), although they may not be clear

1-2 years

  • Points to a few body parts when asked

  • Follows simple commands and understands simple questions

  • Listens to simple stories, songs and rhymes

  • Points to pictures in a book when named

  • Says more words every month

  • Uses one- to two-word questions ("where kitty?")

  • Puts two words together (“more cookie”)

  • Uses many different consonant sounds at the beginning of words

Remember, some children with normal hearing may reach those milestones later. If there are any concerns, a healthcare professional should be consulted as soon as possible.

Some possible signs of hearing loss in a school-aged child

  • Does not understand simple directions or follow simple commands, such as "get your shoes".

  • Is easily frustrated or experiences communication breakdowns.

  • Is falling behind with speech and communication skills.

  • Relies on lip-reading.

  • Is exhausted after school from concentrating to understand speech.

The steps that may be taken if hearing loss is suspected in a child

The first step is to see a doctor who can perform a check on the ears and recommend a course of action.

Find a hearing implant specialist

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Disclaimer

Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.

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References

  1. Speech and Language Developmental Milestones [Internet]. NIDCD. 2018 [cited 13 September 2018]. Available from: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/speech-and-language