A Sound Beginning: The Importance of Hearing
Before long, your precious newborn will be a toddler. You may be surprised how quickly he or she begins to jabber and practice baby talk.
Babies learn by imitating. They learn to talk by imitating the sounds they hear. Babies born with a hearing loss cannot hear sounds clearly. For them, learning to talk is a very slow and difficult process.
The first two years of a child's life are the most important for speech and language development. That's why it's important to detect hearing problems early.
What kind of a test is it?
Two types of tests are used to check babies' hearing.
Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE):
Your baby will hear a series of clicks through a small earplug. A computer measures the echoes that return from the ear. The test will be given when your baby is quiet and calm. It should take only a few minutes.
Automatic Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR): If your baby receives this test, he or she will hear a series of clicks through a small set of headphones. The person giving the test will measure your baby's response to the sound.
What if my baby does not pass the test?
Babies often do not pass hearing tests on the first try. In fact, it is fairly common for them to be checked a second time. If your baby goes home before a second test can be given, you will be invited to return to the hospital for a second test. If your baby does not pass the second test, you will be referred to a hearing center for further testing.
Some children lose their hearing at an older age. This type of loss may be caused by numerous ear infections, other serious infections, chronic illness or a family history of hearing loss. If you ever have concerns about your child's ability to hear or speak, you may consult with someone at the hearing centers listed on this brochure. If you have other concerns about your baby's growth or development, talk with your baby's doctor.
A Pattern of Development
All children grow and learn at different rates. The following guidelines will give you a general idea of what to expect during your child's first year. Many children achieve these points earlier and later than what is listed. However, if you see a trend of delayed development, you should talk with your baby's doctor.
Two Months
- Startles at loud sounds/quiets at mom's voice
- Looks at his or her own hands/looks
at a rattle
- Makes comfort sounds/sucks well from a bottle
- Lifts head when lying on his or her stomach
Four Months
- Turns eyes toward the source of an interest sound
- Uses forearms to hold the chest up when lying on his or her stomach
- Plays with rattles; reaches, grasps
- Coos using vowel sounds
Six Months
- Turns head toward the source of a soft sound
- Starts to crawl, pivot or roll
- Pushes up onto his or her hands and bears weight while lying on the stomach
- Sits momentarily while leaning on his
or her hands
- Transfers objects from one hand
to the other
Twelve Months
- Responds to his or her own name and simple words by nine months of age
- Imitates simple sounds (dada, mama, etc.)
- Stands alone briefly/walks with someone holding his or her hands
- Drinks from a cup (may need help)
|
