How can you tell if your child is hearing well or if there might be a problem? Pay attention to these early signs of hearing loss in toddlers, especially in kids between 1 and 3 years old.
Hearing loss can happen at any age, but for young children, especially those from birth to 3 years, not treating hearing problems can lead to delays in how they speak and understand language. It’s important to watch for the early signs of hearing loss in toddlers so you can help them as soon as possible.
If you think your child might be having trouble hearing or if you have any concerns, it’s crucial to talk to a healthcare professional right away. Catching these issues early is essential for your child’s development.
To help track your child’s auditory, speech, and language development, your healthcare provider will regularly ask about possible warning signs like those listed below. Since you spend the most time with your child, you’ll likely be the first to spot any signs of trouble, so it’s crucial to stay attentive.
Be sure to speak to your child’s healthcare provider if you notice any of the following warning signs:
Red Flags: 12 to 18 Months: Early signs of hearing loss in toddlers
- Doesn’t engage in games like pat-a-cake
- Doesn’t seem to recognize the names of familiar people, pets, or objects
- Is unable to follow simple commands like “Come here”
- Doesn’t turn their head when hearing sounds from another room
- Fails to point to express wants or needs
- Doesn’t mimic simple words, use at least a couple of words, or babble
- Doesn’t react to music
- Doesn’t point to body parts or look at familiar objects when asked
Red Flags: 19 to 24 Months: Early signs of hearing loss in toddlers
- Speaks fewer than five words
- Is unable to point to at least two body parts when asked
- Doesn’t respond to questions or commands with a “yes” or “no”
- Fails to identify common objects like “ball” or “cat”
- Doesn’t mix babbling with some clear speech
- Shows no interest in being read to
- Does not understand simple “yes” or “no” questions (like “Are you ready?”)
- Fails to grasp simple phrases like “under the table” or “in the box”
Red Flags: 25 to 29 Months
- Doesn’t follow two-step commands (e.g., “Sit down and drink your milk”)
- Can’t answer basic “what” and “who” questions
- Is unable to form simple two-word phrases such as “I go”
- Shows no interest in basic stories
- Does not understand common action words like “run,” “sit,” or “walk”
Red Flags: 30 to 36 Months
- Doesn’t comprehend possessive words like “mine” and “yours”
- Can’t distinguish items by size (like “big” and “small”)
- Doesn’t use plurals or verbs
- Fails to ask “what” or “why” questions
- Does not understand concepts such as “not now” or “no more”
If you spot any of these signs, contact a healthcare professional immediately so that your child doesn’t miss out on important moments of listening and learning.
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