All children should have their hearing tested, regardless of whether there are concerns about their hearing abilities. In addition, a hearing evaluation is recommended if any of the following signs apply to your child:
- Does not startle or jump to loud sounds
- Does not babble by the age of 3 months
- Does not respond to his/her name or does not turn toward sounds by the age of 7 months
- Does not respond to simple requests or does not try to imitate words by the age of 12 months
- Cannot be understood by most people
- Often asks for things to be repeated
- Seems to watch your face closely when you talk
- Seems inattentive at home or school
- Does not communicate as well as other children the same age
- Often responds to a question with an unrelated answer
- Prefers the TV or radio louder than others in the family
- Has had many ear infections
- Responds inconsistently to sound
- Uses gestures to communicate
As a parent, you are the best person to look for signs that suggest poor hearing.
