The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be screened for hearing loss and has presented the goal of 100% of newborns to be screened during the newborn period. This screening will detect possible hearing problems, and give an opportunity for an early start to helping babies with hearing loss learn to communicate.
There are many reasons an infant may not immediately pass a hearing screening after birth. These include middle ear fluid, an ear canal blocked with debris, environmental influences during testing such as a fussy baby or environmental noise, or a possible hearing problem. Should your baby not pass an initial screening, this only indicates that further testing is needed.
Did you know?
*Newborn and infant hearing loss is estimated to occur in as many as 4 per 1,000 births.
*50% of infants with hearing loss and deafness are normal, full term babies.
*Infants can be fitted for hearing aids as early as 1 month of age.
*Without screening hearing problems typically are not detected until a child normally learns speech, at two to three years of age.
*Detecting hearing problems at birth may help prevent the occurrence of developmental and social problems later in childhood.
*The screen causes no discomfort to your infant.
There are general hearing milestones most babies encounter as they grow. Watch for these developmental signs as your baby gets bigger!
By 4 months, baby should sometimes:
*Startle or jump to sudden loud sounds.
*Stir or awaken from sleep when there is a loud sound.
*Be calmed when you speak.
*Respond to speech by gurgling or cooing.
By 8 months, baby should sometimes:
*Turn toward a new or interesting sound.
*Smile or turn to you when her name is called.
*Make several different babbling sounds.
*Enjoy a rattle or soft music toy.
By 12 months, your baby should sometimes:
*Respond by stopping or looking sad to "no-no".
*React when his name is called.
*Turn her head toward the side where sound is coming from.
*Try to imitate sound, rhythm, and pitch.
*Dance and make sounds to music.
By 12-15 months, first true words should appear.
