How Your Baby Develops Hearing

For most parents, the ears are thought to be only used for hearing, but they actually do a lot more than that. Aside from hearing, the ears are important for balance and for positional sense. Hearing tests are usually carried out within the first week of your baby’s life – often before they leave the hospital. Don’t miss this test – there won’t be another until your child goes to school!

Understanding your baby’s ears

Each ear consists of three parts – an outer part, a middle part and an inner part. The outer ear consists parts which direct sound waves to the middle ear. The ear drum (or tympanic membrane) separates the outer from the middle ear. The middle ear consists of 3 tiny bones that lie directly behind the ear drum. These convert any sound waves striking the ear drum into mechanical vibrations that are directed into the inner ear. Fascinating!

Ears and throats

A tube (the Eustachian tube) connects the middle ear to the throat. The Eustachian tube functions to equalize air pressure on both sides of the ear drum. Although important, this connection is also the reason why a sore throat can easily become an ear infection, or vice versa.

Ears and balance

The inner ear consists of a maze of fluid-filled tubes that form the cochlea and the ear canals. The cochlea is the major organ of hearing, while the semi-circular canals sense body movement and static position. If these are compromised, through an infection or other problems, your baby’s balance and co-ordination may be affected.

Hearing development in children

The first 2 years is the period of time during which hearing develops in children. Below is a brief guide of signs of normal hearing development by age: (Remember these are rough guides only. Consult your doctor if you are concerned.)

By 4 months of age, your baby should:

• React in response to speech or noise
• Be startled when there is a very loud noise

By 7 months of age, your baby should:

• Turn her head towards a voice when a parent calls even without being seen
• Stir or move in response to a voice or any sound

By 9 months of age, your baby should:

• Turn her head to find out where a sound is coming from
• Turn around if a parent is calling from behind
• Stir or move in response to a voice or any sound
• Startle when there is a very loud noise

At 12 months of age, your baby should:

Turn his/her head in all directions and show an interest in a person’s voice or a particular sound

• Repeat sounds that parents make
• Startle in response to a loud noise

At 2 years of age, your child should:

• Be able to point out a part of his body when asked without seeing that person’s lips move
• Be able to point to the right picture when asked (For example: Where is the ball? Where is the cup?)
• Be able to do simple tasks like give you one of her toys when asked, without seeing that person’s lips move.

As a parent, it is extremely important to be able to recognize the signs of a hearing problem as early as possible and seek medical attention if there are any concerns.

More Baby Stages

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AV Baby content is for information only. If you are at all worried about your baby, please seek the advice of your midwife, doctor or paediatrician.

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