Hearing Development in Children

Hearing is an essential part of speech and language development. After all, the auditory and language systems are very closely linked.

developpement audition Hearing problems can cause varying levels of speech and language delays, depending on the nature of the deafness. What’s more, hearing loss affects children on many other levels: self-esteem, learning, behaviour and socialization. It’s therefore extremely important to screen for hearing loss as soon as possible to avoid or lessen the consequences.

Here are some signs of hearing loss in children.

Your child may have hearing loss if they:

Don’t react to sudden noises (from birth)
Don’t react to your voice (from 3–6 months)
Can’t locate the source of a sound like a voice or familiar ambient sounds (from 5–6 months)
Don’t respond to their name (from 6–8 months)
Make few sounds (from 8–12 months)
Don’t imitate sounds (from 8–12 months)
Don’t answer simple requests unless gestures are used or the speaker is facing them (from 12–18 months)
Don’t recognize ambient sounds like a car running, a dog barking or a phone ringing (from 18–24 months)
Don’t react to music or toys that make sound (around age 2)
Can’t point to an object you name (from 24 months)
Don’t react when you speak quietly (from age 4–5)
Speak loudly
Often ask you to repeat yourself
Need higher volumes (turning the music/TV up, sitting very close to the TV)
Don’t answer when you call them, especially if the children around them are reacting (from age 4–5)
Don’t understand “grown-up” language or can’t follow a conversation (from age 4–5)
Misunderstand verbal instructions
Don’t speak the same way—or as much—as other children their age
Appears to have a speech or language delay: Speak little, have a limited vocabulary, mispronounce many sounds
Complain about pain in their ears or touches their ears often; this can be a sign of infection or pressure in the ear
Withdraw from social situations or tend to isolate themselves, possibly caused by frustration related to mishearing or misunderstanding words

Additionally, if someone close to your child (friend, family member, babysitter, daycare worker, teacher, speech-language pathologist) believes your child might have hearing loss, it’s important to take their concerns seriously.

Finally, if you have any doubts about your child’s hearing, or if any of the above statements describe your child, it would be wise to have their hearing evaluated.

In sum, it’s important to recognize that the first two years of your child’s life are the most important for hearing, speech and language development, which is why it’s so important to have a screening performed as quickly as possible if you have doubts. We also encourage you to watch out for signs of hearing loss in your child. It’s never too early to have your child’s hearing evaluated. Hearing, speech and language are all related, so here is a table describing normal milestones for each.

Fetus (20 weeks)

The auditory system is mature.
Hears outside sounds. Responds better to lower sounds than higher sounds.

0-3 months

Jumps at loud noises.
Calms down when parents speak.

3-6 months

Starts to look towards the source of a sound.
Turns towards you when you talk.
Smiles when you talk to them.
Coos.

6-8 months

Understands a few simple words: no, their name, mama, papa.
Babbles and produces different sounds.

8-12 months

Repeats certain sounds: gaga, baba, mama.
Imitates the sounds they hear.
Understands and follows simple instructions: “give the car,” “point Daddy.”

12-18 months

Looks for the source of a sound.
Turns when called.
Points to a person or object when asked (“point to Mommy,” “point to the ball”).
Starts saying words.
Uses approximately 20 words.
Understands approximately 50 words.

18-24 months

Recognizes and reacts to familiar sounds: a phone or doorbell ringing, a dog barking.
Locates your voice even if you’re in another room.
Shows interest in songs.
Understands and follows more complex instructions.
Points to parts of their body when asked.
Forms 2–3 word sentences.
Starts asking questions.
Uses approximately 50 to 100 words by age 2.

3-4 years

Uses sentences to express their needs.
Forms full sentences with verbs and linking words.
Can tell a short story (recent experience).
Understands and follows two-part instructions.
Asks questions: Why?
Uses approximately 200 to 300 words by age 3.

5 years

Hears your voice, even if you speak quietly.
Pronounces all sounds except “r” and “ch” correctly.
Follows a conversation.
Forms full, adult-level sentences.

Marie-Ève Beaulieu

Advice

For more information, ask a hearing health professionnal practicing in a Lobe clinic by calling 1 866 411-LOBE (5623).