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Speech, Language and Hearing
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Language

How can I help my baby listen and talk?

Your baby’s listening skills will grow a​nd change as your baby gets older.

See the chart below to learn how babies use their hearing as they grow.

Age range
Your baby will
​1 and​ 3 months
  • jump or be startled when there’s a sudden loud sound
  • seem aware of sounds (e.g., telephone ringing, music)
  • fin​d your voice soothing and comforting
​3 and 6 months
  • ​​​turn their eyes and head to look for sounds or their name
  • enjoy music and noise-making toys
  • begin to coo and gurgle (e.g., ooh, ba-ba)
​6 and 10 months
  • ​​respond to familiar voices and sounds
  • make many different babbling sounds
  • understand common words like “no” and “more”
​10 and 15 months
  • ​​understand when you say simple things
  • use many sounds and imitate simple words
  • maybe use a few single words meaningfully
​15 to 18 months
  • ​​be able to tell where sounds are coming from
  • point to body parts​
  • using 3 or 4 words as well as saying “ma-ma” and “da-da”​
  • be using 10 words by 18 months 
​At 24 months
  • ​be able to use 50 words and some two word phrases
  • be able to understand a two part sentence 
    ​


Where to go get help

For more information about how speech-language pathologists and audiologists can help, contact:

  • Your doctor, public health nurse, or other health provider
  • Your local health centre
Current as of: February 1, 2021
Author: Allied Health, Speech, Language, Hearing and Audiology, Alberta Health Services

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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