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Hearing Loss in Babies, Newborn to Age 3 Months

Overview

You can watch your baby's behaviour to check for hearing loss. If you notice a change, your baby might have hearing loss.

Does your baby:

  • Listen to speech?
  • Turn to you when you speak?
  • Smile when spoken to?
  • Seem to recognize your voice?
  • Quiet their crying when you speak?
  • Startle or cry at noises?
  • Awaken to loud sounds?

By 3 months, your child should:

  • Smile at you.
  • Be comforted by a familiar voice.
  • Respond to sound by startling, blinking, crying, becoming quiet, or with a change in breathing.
  • Startle or wake to sudden or loud noises.
  • Make lots of different sounds, such as coos, goos, grunts, gurgles, cry, and noises like “ah”.

Talk to your family doctor or healthcare provider if you have concerns with how your child is responding to sound.

Credits

Adaptation Date: 8/15/2023

Adapted By: Alberta Health Services

Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Healthwise, Incorporated (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.