Recognizing Signs of Hearing Loss in Babies and Children: Where to Turn for Help
Observing early signs of hearing loss in your baby or child is crucial for timely intervention and support. Below are several indications of potential hearing loss that you might observe:
Signs in Babies
- Does not startle at loud noises. Note: with partial hearing loss, babies can still startle
- Does not turn to the source of a sound after 6 months of age
- Does not say single words, such as “dada” or “mama” by 1 year of age
- Seems to hear some sounds but not others
Signs in Children
- Speech is delayed
- Speech is not clear
- Does not follow directions. This sometimes is mistaken for not paying attention or just
ignoring, but could be the result of a partial or complete hearing loss.
- Often says, “Huh?”
- Turns the TV volume up too high
The Utah Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program, with its team of dedicated audiologists and a comprehensive network of specialists, is an indispensable resource for parents looking to ensure the hearing health of their children. They are committed to supporting you every step of the way, from answering your initial questions to connecting you with the right professionals in your area, all in the interest of providing the best care for your child’s hearing needs.
Resources for Utah are also found on their website at health.utah.gov/EHDI. Contact the EHDI program at (801) 273-6600 or email ehdi@utah.gov.
