What are the signs of hearing loss?

Your newborn child may have some degree of hearing loss if he or she:

  • does not startle, move, cry or react in any way to unexpected loud noises
  • does not awaken to loud noises
  • does not turn his/her head in the direction of your voice
  • does not freely imitate sound

Hearing loss can also occur later in childhood after a newborn leaves the hospital. In these cases, parents, grandparents, and other caregivers are often the first to notice that something may be wrong with a young child’s hearing.

Even if your child’s hearing was tested as a newborn, you should continue to watch for signs of hearing loss including:

  • not reacting in any way to unexpected loud noises
  • not being awakened by loud noises
  • not turning his/her head in the direction of your voice
  • not being able to follow or understand directions
  • poor language development
  • speaking loudly or not using age-appropriate language skills

If your child exhibits any of these signs, report them to your doctor.

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