Warning Signs of Hearing Problems

Infant

• Doesn't startle, move or cry at loud noises from birth to 4 months
• Doesn't awaken from loud unexpected noises from birth to 4 months
• Not comforted or soothed by voice alone from birth to 4 months
• Doesn't stop activity or listen to speech from 4 to 8 months
• Doesn't react to his or her name or turn head towards soft sounds by 8 to 12 months
• Doesn't follow simple spoken directions by 12 to 18 months
• Doesn't coo at birth; babble at five to six months; imitate sounds at 8 to 12 months;
• use words at 12 to 18 months

Child

• Listens to TV at loud levels
• Is inattentive or answers inappropriately
• Allows siblings to "speak for child"
• Child's speech does not sound like peers
• Has family history of hearing loss
• You need to raise your voice or repeat often

Adult

• Has difficulty hearing on the phone or in crowds
• Often asks people to speak louder or repeat themselves
• Thinks people are mumbling
• Is told that their TV is too loud
• Can't understand young children's voices
• Complains of ringing in the ears