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Children with normal hearing generally demonstrate a number of common behaviors. If your child is not displaying these behaviors, it may be a sign of a possible hearing loss or other condition. Parents are encouraged to discuss any concerns with a pediatrician and consider requesting your child's hearing be evaluated by an audiologist. The common behaviors by age are listed below. 

Birth to 3 months

• Startles or cries at loud noises 
• Awakens at a loud sound 
• Quiets to the sound of a familiar voice 
• Smiles in response to voice 
• Soothed by quiet soft sounds 

3 to 6 months

• Looks toward a sound or speaker 
• Smiles when spoken to 
• Enjoys rattles and other toys that make sounds 
• Becomes scared by a loud voice or noise 
• Responds to "no" and changes in tone of voice 

6 to 9 months 

• Responds to his or her name, a ringing telephone or someone's voice, even when it's not loud 
• Listens to people talking 
• Responds to "no" and changes in tone of voice 
• Babbles and makes many different sounds 
• Looks at things or pictures when someone talks about them 

9 to 12 months 

• Turns or looks when his or her name is called 
• Listens to people talking 
• Responds to simple requests, such as "give me" and "come here"
• Understands "bye-bye" 

12 to 18 months

• Points to objects or familiar people by name 
• Enjoys games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake 
• Imitates and says two to three word sentences 
• Knows 10 to 20 words 
• Points to body parts when asked

School-aged child

Uncommon behaviors of school-aged children with potential hearing loss include:

• Asks for information to be repeated or frequently says "what?"
• Turns ear toward the speaker or the sound source
• Has a history of chronic ear infections
• Turns the volume up on the TV or radio
• Teachers may report the child is misbehaving or having trouble hearing