Signs of Hearing Loss in Babies
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published CDC, AAP, ASHA guidelines
Last reviewed:
Speech and communication milestones vary widely, and worries about signs of hearing loss in babies, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Most babies are screened for hearing loss at birth, but some hearing problems develop later or are missed. Early signs include not startling to loud sounds, not turning toward voices by 6 months, or not babbling by 9 months. Catching hearing loss early is critical for language development.
Key takeaways
- Most babies are screened for hearing loss at birth, but some hearing problems develop later or are missed. Early signs include not startling to loud sounds, not turning toward voices by 6 months, or not babbling by 9 months. Catching hearing loss early is critical for language development.
- Usually normal when: Your baby startles to loud sounds, turns toward your voice, and seems to enjoy music and singing.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has completely stopped babbling or lost words they were using before.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to CDC, AAP, ASHA guidelines, most babies are screened for hearing loss at birth, but some hearing problems develop later or are missed. Early signs include not startling to loud sounds, not turning toward voices by 6 months, or not babbling by 9 months. Catching hearing loss early is critical for language development. At Birth-3 months, newborns should startle or blink to sudden loud sounds and calm to familiar voices. They may turn their eyes or head slightly toward sounds. Most hospitals screen hearing at birth, but this test can miss mild losses or problems that develop later. If your baby seems completely unbothered by loud noises or doesn't react to your voice at all, mention it at the first checkup. It is generally considered normal when your baby startles to loud sounds, turns toward your voice, and seems to enjoy music and singing. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby has completely stopped babbling or lost words they were using before.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
Birth-3 months
Newborns should startle or blink to sudden loud sounds and calm to familiar voices. They may turn their eyes or head slightly toward sounds. Most hospitals screen hearing at birth, but this test can miss mild losses or problems that develop later. If your baby seems completely unbothered by loud noises or doesn't react to your voice at all, mention it at the first checkup.
4-6 months
By 6 months, babies should reliably turn their head toward sounds and voices. They should respond to their name, react to changes in your tone of voice, and show interest in toys that make noise. If your baby seems "in their own world" and doesn't respond when you call from behind, it's worth a hearing check - even if they passed the newborn screen.
7-12 months
Babbling should be in full swing by 9 months, with consonant-vowel sounds like "bababa" or "dadada." Babies this age should also respond to simple words like "no" and look at familiar objects when you name them. If there's no babbling or your baby doesn't respond to speech or singing, a hearing evaluation should be done promptly.
13-18 months
Your baby should follow simple instructions ("give me the cup") and say a few words by 18 months. If they're not responding to language at all, not imitating sounds, or not showing progress in understanding, hearing should be checked before assuming it's just a speech delay. Hearing loss is one of the most common reasons for delayed language.
19-36 months
Toddlers with hearing loss may seem to ignore you, turn the TV volume very high, or speak much more loudly than needed. They may struggle to follow directions or seem frustrated when trying to communicate. Even mild or intermittent hearing loss (like from chronic ear infections) can affect speech development, so persistent concerns should be evaluated.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed signs of hearing loss in babies and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby failed the newborn hearing screen or didn't have one done.
- Mention if your baby is over 6 months and doesn't turn toward voices or sounds consistently.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby startles to loud sounds, turns toward your voice, and seems to enjoy music and singing.
- Your baby passed the newborn hearing screen and is meeting typical milestones for responding to sound and beginning to babble.
- Your baby sometimes seems not to hear you, but it's inconsistent - they may just be deeply focused on play (common in toddlers).
- Your baby has had a few ear infections but is still babbling, responding to their name, and progressing with language.
- Your baby failed the newborn hearing screen or didn't have one done.
- Your baby is over 6 months and doesn't turn toward voices or sounds consistently.
- Your baby is over 9 months with no babbling, or babbling has decreased over time.
- Your baby has had multiple ear infections and you're noticing a change in how they respond to sound.
- Your baby seems to hear some sounds (like a door closing) but not others (like your voice).
- Your baby has completely stopped babbling or lost words they were using before.
- Your baby is over 12 months and shows no response to sounds, voices, or their name - this needs immediate hearing evaluation.
- Your baby's hearing seems to have suddenly changed after an illness, injury, or medication.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice signs of hearing loss in babies — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby startles to loud sounds, turns toward your voice, and seems to enjoy music and singing — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At Birth-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Talk, read, and sing to your baby frequently. Narrate daily activities to build language exposure.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby has completely stopped babbling or lost words they were using before.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is signs of hearing loss in babies normal?
When should I call the doctor about signs of hearing loss in babies?
When is signs of hearing loss in babies normal?
What causes signs of hearing loss in babies?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about signs of hearing loss in babies?
Is signs of hearing loss in babies normal at Birth-3 months?
Is signs of hearing loss in babies normal at 4-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for signs of hearing loss in babies?
Does signs of hearing loss in babies go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Signs of Hearing Loss in Babies.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed signs of hearing loss in babies and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby failed the newborn hearing screen or didn't have one done.
- Mention if your baby is over 6 months and doesn't turn toward voices or sounds consistently.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby failed the newborn hearing screen or didn't have one done.
- Your baby is over 6 months and doesn't turn toward voices or sounds consistently.
- Your baby is over 9 months with no babbling, or babbling has decreased over time.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has completely stopped babbling or lost words they were using before.
- Your baby is over 12 months and shows no response to sounds, voices, or their name - this needs immediate hearing evaluation.
- Your baby's hearing seems to have suddenly changed after an illness, injury, or medication.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of signs of hearing loss in babies are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has completely stopped babbling or lost words they were using before.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Ear Fluid Affecting Baby's Speech Development
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Will Ear Tubes Help My Child's Speech?
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Baby Failed Newborn Hearing Screen - What Now?
Failing a newborn hearing screen does not necessarily mean your baby has hearing loss. Many babies who fail the initial screen pass on follow-up testing. However, it is critical to complete follow-up testing by 3 months of age. If hearing loss is confirmed, early intervention by 6 months of age leads to significantly better language outcomes.
Baby Using Jargon but No Real Words
Jargon babbling, which sounds like your baby is having a conversation in a made-up language, typically appears between 10 and 14 months and is a positive sign that your baby is learning the rhythm and melody of speech. Real words usually emerge from jargon over the following months. If no real words appear by 16 to 18 months, a speech evaluation may be helpful.
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.