Hearing is critically important for a baby and is closely linked to language development in the first few years of life. Because of this, it is important to identify potential hearing loss as soon as possible so that early intervention can be arranged. Maura Cosetti, MD, Director, Otology/Neurotology, Mount Sinai Downtown, Associate Director, Ear Institute, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE), and Aldo Londino, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Otolaryngology at the Mount Sinai Health System and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology at the Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, detail what parents need to know about spotting—and addressing—hearing loss in babies.
How common is pediatric hearing loss and what are the causes?
Approximately two to three infants per 1,000 are born deaf or with severe to profound hearing loss. Causes range from hereditary hearing loss to improper development of the inner ear. Hearing loss can also occur after birth and may be related to infections or other medical problems that occurred around the time of delivery.
How and when are babies tested for hearing loss?
All newborns are given a mandatory hearing test before leaving the hospital. This non-invasive screening helps identify babies who are deaf or hard of hearing by monitoring for either an ear or a brain response to a sound.
What does it mean if my baby “fails” the newborn hearing screening?
There are many reasons that your baby may have failed the newborn screening test. Because it is a screening, failing does not always mean your child has permanent or severe hearing loss. It is important to have a trained audiologist perform additional testing to assess your baby’s condition.
If hearing loss—whether permanent or temporary—is suspected, follow up testing with a pediatric audiologist is necessary to determine the amount of hearing loss and the appropriate interventions. Interventions may range from observation, to hearing aids, and even cochlear implant evaluations.
My baby did not fail the newborn hearing screening. What are the signs of potential hearing loss as my child develops?
Signs and symptoms of hearing loss in babies vary, as children may reach milestones at different ages. However, the earlier hearing loss is diagnosed, the earlier it can be treated and the better the outcome for your child’s future development. Be aware of the following age-related guidelines to help gauge your child’s progress:
From birth to three months, your baby should:
- React to loud sounds with a startle reflex
- Turn their head to you when you speak
- Be awakened by loud voices and sounds
From three to six months, your baby should:
- Look or turn toward a new sound
- Respond to “no” and changes in tone of voice
- Begin to produce their own voice
From 6 to 10 months, your baby should:
- Respond to their own name
- Understand words for common items or phrases (mama, dada, milk, bottle, bye-bye)
- Make babbling sounds
From 10 to 15 months, your baby should:
- Look at familiar objects or point to people when asked to do so
- Say simple words and sounds; may use a few single words meaningfully
- Enjoy games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
What steps should I take if my baby begins exhibiting signs of hearing loss?
If you feel that your baby is not meeting their developmental milestones to speak, play, or communicate, you should ask your pediatrician for a referral to a pediatric ear, nose, and throat specialist. Since hearing loss can affect your child’s ability to develop speech, language, and communication skills, it is of the utmost importance that your child receive appropriate services and treatment, which may include hearing aids, as soon as possible.
Maura K. Cosetti, MD
Director, Otology/Neurotology, Mount Sinai Downtown and Associate Director, Ear Institute
Dr. Cosetti specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric and adult hearing disorders, facial nerve disorders, and other complex conditions, as well as cochlear implantation, endoscopic ear surgery, and skull base surgery.
Aldo Londino, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatric Otolaryngology and Chief, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Londino specializes in the treatment of children with complex medical problems of the ears, nose, and throat.
The Ear Institute at NYEE houses a team of highly specialized and skilled ear, nose and throat physicians, otologists-neurotologists, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, early intervention specialists, and other professionals who work collaboratively and are backed by the full services and resources of the Mount Sinai Health System.