Detecting hearing loss in a young child may be difficult. Especially when the child is younger than two years of age.
Below are some general observations about young children's reaction to sound, but have in mind that every child develops at his or her own pace.
All babies have a startle reflex to loud noises.
During the first months, only minimal response to sounds can be observed.
From 3 to 5 months, the infant begins to localise sounds by using the eyes or turning the head.
From 6 to 8 months, the child turns towards sounds that are moderately loud.
From 9 to 11 months, the child quickly and easily locates new and interesting sounds.
From 12 to 18 months, the child recognises clothes and body parts when named, and can name (but maybe not pronounce) familiar objects such as cat, puppy or teddy.
From 24 months of age, the child begins to talk using short sentences.
