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Hearing
Baby’s language skills begin to develop even before he is born. The words and sounds that they hear
while inside the womb play an important role in learning language. It is due to this sense that babies:
- can understand that someone is speaking they can differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar sounds.
- can enjoy classic music, this is a favourite with young babies because they have smooth rhythmic melodies and pauses between
sections. However, one year olds, prefer traditional tunes for kids and start differentiating sounds that are similar.
- Gradually, babies start associating sounds with the experiences and give them a meaning. Thus, lullabies and white noise
may soothe a baby; loud sounds may startle him while pleasant music may make him happy. Babies may also associate banging
of door with arrival of parents.
- can recognize their mom’s voice right from the time they are born and can differentiate it from the voices of other
women and get comforted by it sooner.
Much of a baby's first year is spent learning how to listen. Through listening, your baby learns about the world, makes
sounds and learns to talk. If you are concerned that your child has a hearing problem, tell your doctor right away. A hearing
problem will interfere with a baby's ability to communicate and to learn. Important language development happens in the first
five years, so it's very important to treat problems early. Don't wait until your child begins school.
Here are some behaviours to expect from your child at certain ages that will tell you their hearing is normal:
- Babies can hear at birth - they should respond by turning their head to hear you.
- They should also react to your voice even when they cannot see you.
- At around 7-10 months of age your baby should react to sounds they cannot see such as familiar footsteps, a dog barking,
the phone ringing or their own name. Such sounds do not have to be loud to cause a response.
- At 11-15 months your baby should begin to point or find familiar objects or people when asked. Also your baby should enjoy
listening to some sounds and imitating them. Imitation means that a baby can hear sounds and match them.
If your child does not often react to sounds in these ways, there may be a problem. Check with your doctor about testing
your baby's hearing.
Hearing Problems
Most hearing loss is congenital (present at birth), but some babies develop hearing loss after they are born. Hearing loss
is more likely in premature babies and babies with respiratory problems who have required long-term use of breathing machines,
those with previous infections, and those taking certain medications. Hearing problems can be temporary or permanent, they
can occur as an ear infections, injuries, or diseases.
below is a guide to help you asses your child hearing if you are worried in any way contact a doctor
Hearing Development
Birth to 3 Months
- reacts to load sounds,
- is soothed by your voice and smiles when spoken to
- turns their head towards you when you speak
3 to 6 Months
- turns towards a new sound
- responds to changes in your tone
- enjoys rattles or other toys that make noise
- becomes scared by loud strange noises
- starts to make sounds
6 to 10 Months
- Responds to his/her own name, telephone ringing, someone's voice, even when not loud.
- Looks at things or pictures when someone talks about them.
- Makes babbling sounds, even when alone.
- Starts to respond to requests such as "come here."
10 to 15 Months
- Imitates simple words and sounds
- Points to or looks at familiar objects or people when asked to do so.
- Enjoys games like peek-a-boo.
15 to 18 Months
- Follows simple directions, such as "give me the cup."
- Knows 10 to 20 words.
- Bottom of Form 5Uses words he/she has learned often.
- Uses 2-3 word sentences to talk about and ask for things.
18 to 24 Months
- Enjoys being read to.
- Points to pictures when asked.
- Understands simple phrases ( Put it down).
- Understands simple questions (Are you thirsty?).
24 to 36 Months
- Follows simple directions such as "sit down" and "eat your lunch."
- Understands "not now" and "no more."
- Understands many action words (run, jump).
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