Baby Not Turning to Sounds
The short answer
Babies typically begin turning toward sounds around 4 to 6 months of age. If your baby isn't consistently looking toward voices or noises by 6 months, it's worth having their hearing checked. In many cases, something as simple as fluid in the ears can temporarily affect hearing, and early identification leads to the best outcomes.
By Age
What to expect by age
In the first few months, babies respond to sounds by startling, quieting, or widening their eyes - but they may not turn their head toward the source yet. Newborns are still developing the neck strength and coordination needed to localize sound. If your baby startles at loud noises and seems to calm when they hear your voice, their hearing is likely working, even if they're not turning yet.
By 4 to 6 months, most babies start turning their head toward sounds, especially familiar voices and interesting noises. They may look toward a rattle, turn when you call from across the room, or respond to music. If your baby doesn't seem to notice sounds at all by 6 months - or has stopped reacting to them - talk to your pediatrician about a hearing screening.
At this age, sound localization should be well established. Your baby should reliably turn toward voices, respond when their name is called, and show interest in environmental sounds. If they consistently don't react to sounds, especially their name, a hearing evaluation is important. Ear infections or fluid buildup from colds can sometimes temporarily reduce hearing at this age.
By 9-12 months, babies should respond to their name, turn to look at sounds coming from different directions, and react to both loud and soft sounds. If your baby doesn't reliably turn to sounds or their name at this age, hearing should be tested as soon as possible. Early identification of hearing issues is critical because hearing is the foundation for speech and language development.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 4 months and startles at loud sounds but doesn't yet turn their head - this is developmentally appropriate.
- Your baby turns to sounds sometimes but not every single time - babies can be focused on something else or simply not interested in every noise.
- Your baby recently had a cold or ear infection and seems temporarily less responsive to sounds - fluid can muffle hearing temporarily.
- Your baby responds well to voices and music but ignores repetitive background noise - this is normal selective attention.
- Your baby is 6 months or older and doesn't consistently turn toward sounds or voices.
- Your baby doesn't seem to notice or react when you speak to them from across the room.
- Your baby passed their newborn hearing screening but seems less responsive to sounds now than they used to be.
- Your baby doesn't startle or react to any loud sounds at any age - this could indicate significant hearing loss and needs urgent evaluation.
- Your baby used to respond to sounds and has completely stopped - any loss of previously established responses should be evaluated right away.
Sources
Related Resources
Related Speech Concerns
My Baby Is Losing Words or Skills
If your child was consistently using words and has truly stopped, this is something to act on promptly. Regression - the genuine loss of skills a child previously had - is different from a normal plateau or a toddler being too busy to talk, and it always warrants a conversation with your pediatrician sooner rather than later.
Baby Not Babbling
Babbling with consonant sounds like "ba," "da," and "ma" typically begins between 6 and 9 months and is an important building block for speech. Babies develop at different rates, but if your baby is not making any consonant sounds by 9 months, a hearing check is a good first step.
Baby Not Laughing at Peek-a-Boo
Most babies start showing delight during peek-a-boo between 6 and 9 months, when they develop "object permanence" - the understanding that things still exist when hidden. If your baby isn't laughing at peek-a-boo yet, consider their age and overall social engagement. Some babies prefer other games, and some show enjoyment through smiles or excited movements rather than laughter. What matters most is whether your baby is socially engaged with you overall.
Baby Not Making Vowel Sounds
Most babies begin making vowel sounds - those lovely "oooh," "aaah," and "eee" sounds - around 2 to 3 months of age. This early cooing is one of the first steps in language development. Some babies are naturally quieter than others, but if your baby isn't making any vowel sounds by 4 months, it's worth checking in with your pediatrician to make sure hearing and development are on track.
Baby Not Responding to Own Name Consistently
Most babies start recognizing and responding to their own name between 5 and 7 months, though consistent response may take until 9 months. It's common for babies to sometimes ignore their name when they're focused on something interesting - this is normal. However, if your baby rarely or never turns when you say their name by 9 months, it's worth discussing with your pediatrician to check hearing and development.
Baby Is Very Quiet and Not Vocalizing
Some babies are naturally quieter than others, just like some adults are more talkative than others. However, all babies should be making some sounds - cooing by 3-4 months and babbling by 7-9 months. If your baby is very quiet and rarely makes any vocal sounds, it's important to have their hearing checked and discuss their development with your pediatrician. A quiet baby isn't always a concern, but it's worth investigating.