Signs of Hearing Loss in Babies
The short answer
Most babies are screened for hearing loss at birth, but some hearing problems develop later or are missed. Early signs include not startling to loud sounds, not turning toward voices by 6 months, or not babbling by 9 months. Catching hearing loss early is critical for language development.
By Age
What to expect by age
Newborns should startle or blink to sudden loud sounds and calm to familiar voices. They may turn their eyes or head slightly toward sounds. Most hospitals screen hearing at birth, but this test can miss mild losses or problems that develop later. If your baby seems completely unbothered by loud noises or doesn't react to your voice at all, mention it at the first checkup.
By 6 months, babies should reliably turn their head toward sounds and voices. They should respond to their name, react to changes in your tone of voice, and show interest in toys that make noise. If your baby seems "in their own world" and doesn't respond when you call from behind, it's worth a hearing check - even if they passed the newborn screen.
Babbling should be in full swing by 9 months, with consonant-vowel sounds like "bababa" or "dadada." Babies this age should also respond to simple words like "no" and look at familiar objects when you name them. If there's no babbling or your baby doesn't respond to speech or singing, a hearing evaluation should be done promptly.
Your baby should follow simple instructions ("give me the cup") and say a few words by 18 months. If they're not responding to language at all, not imitating sounds, or not showing progress in understanding, hearing should be checked before assuming it's just a speech delay. Hearing loss is one of the most common reasons for delayed language.
Toddlers with hearing loss may seem to ignore you, turn the TV volume very high, or speak much more loudly than needed. They may struggle to follow directions or seem frustrated when trying to communicate. Even mild or intermittent hearing loss (like from chronic ear infections) can affect speech development, so persistent concerns should be evaluated.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby startles to loud sounds, turns toward your voice, and seems to enjoy music and singing.
- Your baby passed the newborn hearing screen and is meeting typical milestones for responding to sound and beginning to babble.
- Your baby sometimes seems not to hear you, but it's inconsistent - they may just be deeply focused on play (common in toddlers).
- Your baby has had a few ear infections but is still babbling, responding to their name, and progressing with language.
- Your baby failed the newborn hearing screen or didn't have one done.
- Your baby is over 6 months and doesn't turn toward voices or sounds consistently.
- Your baby is over 9 months with no babbling, or babbling has decreased over time.
- Your baby has had multiple ear infections and you're noticing a change in how they respond to sound.
- Your baby seems to hear some sounds (like a door closing) but not others (like your voice).
- Your baby has completely stopped babbling or lost words they were using before.
- Your baby is over 12 months and shows no response to sounds, voices, or their name - this needs immediate hearing evaluation.
- Your baby's hearing seems to have suddenly changed after an illness, injury, or medication.
Sources
Related Resources
Related Speech Concerns
My Baby Is Losing Words or Skills
If your child was consistently using words and has truly stopped, this is something to act on promptly. Regression - the genuine loss of skills a child previously had - is different from a normal plateau or a toddler being too busy to talk, and it always warrants a conversation with your pediatrician sooner rather than later.
Baby Not Babbling
Babbling with consonant sounds like "ba," "da," and "ma" typically begins between 6 and 9 months and is an important building block for speech. Babies develop at different rates, but if your baby is not making any consonant sounds by 9 months, a hearing check is a good first step.
Baby Not Laughing at Peek-a-Boo
Most babies start showing delight during peek-a-boo between 6 and 9 months, when they develop "object permanence" - the understanding that things still exist when hidden. If your baby isn't laughing at peek-a-boo yet, consider their age and overall social engagement. Some babies prefer other games, and some show enjoyment through smiles or excited movements rather than laughter. What matters most is whether your baby is socially engaged with you overall.
Baby Not Making Vowel Sounds
Most babies begin making vowel sounds - those lovely "oooh," "aaah," and "eee" sounds - around 2 to 3 months of age. This early cooing is one of the first steps in language development. Some babies are naturally quieter than others, but if your baby isn't making any vowel sounds by 4 months, it's worth checking in with your pediatrician to make sure hearing and development are on track.
Baby Not Responding to Own Name Consistently
Most babies start recognizing and responding to their own name between 5 and 7 months, though consistent response may take until 9 months. It's common for babies to sometimes ignore their name when they're focused on something interesting - this is normal. However, if your baby rarely or never turns when you say their name by 9 months, it's worth discussing with your pediatrician to check hearing and development.
Baby Not Turning to Sounds
Babies typically begin turning toward sounds around 4 to 6 months of age. If your baby isn't consistently looking toward voices or noises by 6 months, it's worth having their hearing checked. In many cases, something as simple as fluid in the ears can temporarily affect hearing, and early identification leads to the best outcomes.