Hearing is not just for listening; it is the gateway to language, learning, and connecting with the world. Ensuring that a baby’s hearing develops and functions properly is one of the most common concerns among parents.
Detecting a hearing issue early on can completely change your child’s future. Children cannot always articulate that they aren’t hearing well—many simply assume that everyone else hears the same way they do. That is why a parent’s greatest superpower is observation.
Warning signs based on growth
Hearing and language development go hand in hand. If you notice that your child is not reaching these milestones, it is time to visit a specialist.
In infants (0 to 12 months)
- No startle response: Newborns should react to loud noises—such as a door slamming, a pot falling, or a dog barking nearby—by blinking, jumping, or crying. If the baby does not react at all, this is a sign that warrants attention.
- Not looking for the source of a sound: By 4 to 6 months of age, a baby should be able to turn their head or look toward the source of a voice or the sound of a toy. If they do not do this, it is a sign that should be noted.
- Absence of babbling: Around 8 or 9 months, babies begin to “talk” to themselves, making vocal sounds (e.g., “ba-ba,” “da-da”). If a baby who was previously vocal suddenly becomes very quiet, it could indicate a hearing issue.
In toddlers (1 to 3 years)
- Lack of response to their name: If a child is called by name and appears to deliberately ignore the call, this is a red flag. You might think the child is simply distracted, but it could be that they are not actually hearing what is being said.
- Language delay: If a 2-year-old does not say simple words or does not attempt to imitate sounds and short phrases, their hearing should be the first thing to check.
- Pointing instead of speaking: If a child prefers to communicate using gestures rather than the words they should already know, pay close attention to this sign.
School age (4 years and older)
- The “What?” syndrome: If a child constantly asks “What?” and requires things to be repeated, it may be a sign that they are not hearing or understanding.
- Excessive volume: If a child turns the volume on the television, tablet, or mobile phone up so high that it is deafening to others, this is a clear warning sign.
- Poor academic performance or “lack of attention” at school: Many diagnoses of attention deficit are, in reality, undetected hearing problems. The child becomes exhausted from the effort required to listen, disengages from the lesson, and becomes distracted.
The silent enemies of children's hearing
In addition to keeping an eye on their behavior, there are two risk factors that we cannot ignore in our daily lives:
- Poorly managed ear infections: Frequent ear infections lead to a buildup of mucus behind the eardrum (serous otitis media). This creates an “underwater” effect, making it difficult for children to hear clearly for months at a time. If a child has persistent congestion and poor hearing, this could be the cause.
- The use of headphones/earbuds: With today’s technology, children often use headphones or earbuds at a very young age. The golden rule is the 60/60 rule: no more than 60% of the maximum volume, for no more than 60 minutes a day.
An ENT specialist’s golden rule: You should only clean your ears with your elbows. Please, do not allow the use of cotton swabs at home. They only push earwax deeper, creating blockages that impair hearing and potentially even perforating the delicate eardrum. The ear has its own built-in self-cleaning system.
What should you do if you suspect something?
Don’t panic, but don’t let it slide. The common refrain—”they’ll talk eventually; every child develops at their own pace”—has its limits. If you have even the slightest doubt, the best course of action is to seek a medical evaluation.
Nowadays, there are quick, painless, and highly accurate tests (such as otoacoustic emissions or pediatric audiometry) that can determine exactly how well a child is hearing.
Taking care of children’s ears today ensures that, in the future, they will be able to hear the world with complete clarity.
Fountain:
- "Attentive Ears: Warning Signs for Protecting Your Children's Hearing" prompt. Gemini, version from July 16, 2026, Google, gemini.google.com.
This information is for informational purposes only. It is in no way a substitute for a diagnosis from a medical specialist. To obtain medical advice or a diagnosis, please schedule an appointment with a specialist.
