Approximately 6 in 1,000 babies have a signficant hearing problem at birth.

• More than 4,000 babies are born with hearing loss each year.
• Babies are not able to tell you they have hearing loss and the first year of life is critical to the development of normal speech and languaue.
• Most states require newborn hearing screening tests.

If your infant has had a hearing screening and is unable to do some of the examples below (based on his or her age), schedule a follow-up appointment with us at Saline Audiology to have his or her hearing checked again,

Hearing loss in infants is a hidden disability, and it is important to pay attention to their development and get their hearing tested.

An infant with normal hearing should be able to do the following:

Around two months of age

• Startles to loud sounds
• Quiets to familiar voices
• Makes vowel sounds like “ohh”

Around four months of age

• Looks for sound sources
• Starts babbling
• Makes squeals and chuckles

Around six months of age

• Turns head toward loud sounds
• Begin to imitate speech sound
• Babbles sounds like “ba-ba”

Around nine months of age

• Imitates speech sounds of others
• Understands “no-no” or “bye-bye”
• Turns head toward soft sounds

Around 12 months

• Correctly uses “ma-ma’ or “da-da”
• Gives toy when asked
• Responds to singing or music

If you have any concerns with the hearing of your newborn, call us today for a Newborn Hearing Screening.