Hearing Development in Children

Your child’s hearing is intrinsically linked to his or her speech and language development. Some children may need a hearing assessment because of concerns about speech development, while others children may suffer chronic ear infections. If you have any concerns about your child’s speech or hearing, the please schedule a hearing assessment.

Hearing Expectation By Age:

3 months

• Awaken, startle, or cry to loud sounds

• Begin to make vowel sounds like ah, eh, uh

• Smile when spoken to

• Seem to recognize your voice

4-5 months

• Respond to changes in your tone of voice 

• Turn their head towards a sound, for example the doorbell 

• Notice toys that make sounds 

• Begin to make consonant sounds like m, k, g, p, and b, gaa, baa

7-12 months

• Imitate and combine sounds like baba, dada 

• Recognize words for common items, including family member names 

• Respond to requests (“Come here”) 

• Turn or look up when you call their name 

• At 12 months, babies say their first word

2-3 years

• Understand differences in meaning (“go-stop”) 

• Continue to notice sounds (telephone ringing) 

• Follow two step directions (get the ball and put it on the table)

4.5 - 5 years

• Understand most of what is said at home/school 

• Listen to a story and answer questions about it 

• Others think your child hears well (teacher, babysitter, grandparent)

If you’re concerned that your child isn’t hearing well, call 705 788-2499 to schedule an assessment.