Children develop speech, language, and hearing skills at different ages. But hearing loss can lead to delays in your child's ability to make sounds, learn to speak, and communicate. Talk with your child's doctor if you're concerned about your child's hearing or speech. Or if you notice any of the following:
- No response to sound at any age
- Baby doesn't move or jump when a loud sound is made
- No babbling by the time your baby is 9 months old
- No words spoken by age 18 to 24 months
- Doesn't follow simple commands by age 2
- Poor voice quality at any age
Featured in
Date Last Reviewed: 07/31/2023
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Personalized care starts with the right provider
Search by specialty, location, and more.
FIND A DOCTORRelated Articles
Foreign Bodies in the Ear, Nose, and Throat
Children usually place things in their ears because they are bored, curious, or copying other children. Some objects may cause no symptoms, but other objects, such as food and insects, may cause pain in the ear, redness, or drainage.
Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) in Children
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a problem with the tongue that is present from birth. It causes speech and eating problems in some children.
Mastoiditis in Children
Mastoiditis is a complication of a middle ear infection. Read on to learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Congenital Muscular Torticollis
Congenital torticollis means that a baby is born with an odd position of the neck. The odd position is because of a tight, short neck muscle. Learn more about the condition, including the symptoms and how it is diagnosed and treated.
