3 Key Signs of Hearing Problems in Infants

Working out whether a very young child can hear properly is not always easy. However, it is very important to spot hearing problems in infants as soon as you can. Studies show that children who have a hearing loss of 40dB or more in both ears have a much easier time developing speech and language skills when they are fitted with hearing aids under the age of six months. To improve your child's chance of early diagnosis with hearing problems, watch out for the following three key signs of impaired hearing in infants.

1. No Reaction to Loud Sounds

Loud noises usually startle babies and toddlers. They will often react to alarms, sirens, shouting or screaming by starting to cry. If your infant does not react to these sounds, it is a good idea to have them checked out by a hearing specialist.

2. No Reaction to Comforting Sounds

As well as reacting to loud noises, babies also pay attention to pleasant sounds in their environment. Most infants find the sound of their main caregiver's voice very soothing. When your baby is upset, talk gently or softly sing to them to soothe away their anxieties. You could also try playing soft music, which often has a calming effect on young children.

If your child does not settle when you use these soothing sounds, consult a medical professional. Your infant may not be hearing the soothing sounds, or they might have another problem that is causing their distress.

3. No Babbling or Speech

Children learn to speak by listening to their caregivers and imitating the sounds they hear. Most babies start to make babbling sounds when they are around four to six months old. During this time, you should listen out for your child's first word, which will probably be something very simple, such as 'mama' or 'dada'.

At roughly 18 months to two years, infants start to put words together to express themselves. You might hear your child express a desire such as 'eat fruit' or 'hug daddy'.

All children develop at their own pace, so there is no need to panic if your two-year-old cannot yet talk. However, it is a good idea to schedule a hearing test for your child if they make no attempt to copy your words or make their own sounds. If the hearing test shows problems with your child's hearing, a hearing specialist can fit them with hearing aids to help them learn and interact with the world.

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