As a parent, you want to ensure your baby is reaching developmental milestones. One important milestone is hearing and speech. Testing your baby’s hearing is crucial for healthy development. Newborn hearing tests are routinely done in hospitals, but what if you want to test your baby’s hearing at home between regular doctor visits? There are simple ways you can test your baby’s hearing without expensive equipment.
Can I test my baby’s hearing myself?
Yes, you can absolutely test your baby’s hearing at home. While newborn hearing tests done at the hospital are ideal, it’s reasonable to want to check in on your baby’s hearing from time to time. Home hearing tests are simple, non-invasive ways to gauge whether your baby is responding to sound. These tests allow you to observe your baby’s hearing abilities and determine if additional hearing tests are needed.
What age can you test a baby’s hearing?
Babies can respond to sound immediately after birth. You can technically test hearing function right away by observing how your newborn responds to noises. However, more definitive at-home tests are best started around 4-6 months old when babies become more interactive. At this age babies noticeably react to sounds and voices.
Are at-home hearing tests accurate?
Home hearing tests are fairly accurate for alerting you to potential hearing issues. These simple tests assess whether your baby acknowledges sounds. However, they cannot diagnose hearing loss or determine the extent of hearing difficulties. If you have concerns after home testing, you should follow up with a pediatric audiologist for formal hearing evaluation.
When to test baby’s hearing at home
You can test your baby’s hearing at home whenever you are concerned about their ability to hear. Some situations that warrant testing include:
- Your baby is not startled by loud noises
- Your baby does not turn towards sounds
- Your baby does not babble or coo
- You have a family history of hearing loss
- Your baby has frequent ear infections
- Your baby was in the NICU after birth
- You just want to check-in on hearing
While home hearing tests are a good idea anytime hearing concerns arise, you may also want to make a habit of testing every few months to ensure your baby’s hearing is on track.
Home hearing test methods
There are various simple and effective ways to test your baby’s hearing ability without specialized tools. Here are some popular at-home hearing test techniques to try:
Noisemaker test
One of the easiest hearing checks is the noisemaker test. All you need is a safe noisemaking object, like a rattle or set of keys. Make sure the object is out of reach of your baby so they cannot see or grab it. Then, make noise with the object while observing your baby’s reaction. Babies with normal hearing will turn their head towards the sound source and appear alert. Lack of response could indicate hearing difficulties.
Voice test
You can also test hearing by using your own voice. When your baby is calm and attentive, stand behind them and talk out loud. Alternate between talking and pausing. Watch to see if your baby searches for your voice when it stops. Swapping which side you stand on checks that they can hear from both ears. A baby who cannot hear will not react to the presence or absence of your voice.
Music test
Playing music is another fun way to gauge your baby’s hearing abilities. Pick an upbeat song your baby seems to enjoy. While the music is on, see if your baby reacts happily with coos, smiles, or dancing. Stop the music periodically and watch what your baby does. Babies with typical hearing will notice the music stopping and may become fussy or frustrated.
Behavior test
You can also assess hearing through your baby’s general behavior. Babies use sound to interact with their environment. Look for signs your baby is locating sounds, like turning towards noises or voices. Check if they are startled by loud abrupt sounds. Note how they respond when you talk to them. Babies with hearing difficulties often exhibit delays in language development and social communication skills.
At what age should a baby’s hearing be tested?
Here is a timeline for when babies should get hearing tests:
| Age | Hearing Test Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Birth to 1 month | Newborn hearing screening at the hospital |
| 4-6 months | At-home tests by parents |
| 9 months | Hearing test at well-child visit |
| 18 months | Hearing test at well-child visit |
| 3 years | Hearing test at well-child visit |
| Anytime | See audiologist if hearing concerns arise |
Newborns should get an automated hearing screening test at the hospital shortly after birth. Between regular pediatrician visits, parents can do at-home hearing checks around 4-6 months. During well-child exams at 9 months, 18 months, and 3 years, the doctor will formally assess hearing. See an audiologist promptly if issues are suspected.
What happens during a baby’s hearing test?
Here is what you can expect during different types of infant hearing tests:
Automated newborn hearing screening
The initial newborn hearing screening uses automated technology to test hearing. Sensors are placed near the baby’s ears, usually with adhesive bands or foam tips. Sounds at soft and louder volumes are played through the sensors. Results are generated in seconds based on whether the baby’s inner ear responds. The screening is quick, painless, and done while baby is quiet or sleeping.
Diagnostic audiology exam
If the newborn screening indicates possible hearing loss, the next step is a full diagnostic exam by a pediatric audiologist. This thorough assessment looks at the entire auditory system. The audiologist will examine the shape and function of the ear canal and eardrum. Hearing tests check what types of sounds the baby responds to. Exams may use behavioral observation or electrodes to evaluate hearing ability. This determines the degree of any hearing loss.
At-home tests by parents
Home hearing tests by parents are simple and observational. You make noises and watch how your baby reacts. There are no machines involved. The goal is to see if your baby acknowledges sounds in their surroundings. Make it a game by generating sounds from different locations and distances. Note if your baby seems to hear and locate the sound source.
Reasons for getting a baby’s hearing tested
There are several important reasons babies should have hearing tests. These include:
Screen hearing at birth
It is recommended all newborns get an automated hearing screening before leaving the hospital. Congenital hearing loss affects 2-3 of every 1,000 babies. Early detection and intervention prevents language delays.
Monitor developmental milestones
Hearing tests allow you to ensure your baby is meeting speech and language milestones on schedule. Babies should react to sounds immediately after birth and begin cooing around 2 months.
Check for delayed onset hearing loss
Sometimes hearing loss develops later, rather than being present at birth. Ongoing hearing checks detect emerging problems so intervention can begin right away.
Assess family history concerns
Since many hearing issues have a genetic component, babies with a close relative with hearing loss should be monitored carefully. Testing helps diagnose problems early.
Identify impact of ear infections
Chronic ear infections can potentially cause hearing damage. Testing determines how infections are impacting hearing over time.
Evaluate suspected hearing loss
If you suspect your baby is not hearing well, formal hearing tests are needed to pinpoint the issue and start treatment.
If your baby fails a hearing test
If your baby does not pass a newborn hearing screening or you have concerns after at-home testing, follow up is important. Here are next steps if your baby fails a hearing test:
- Schedule a follow-up re-screening within weeks
- See a pediatric audiologist for diagnostics
- Discuss results with your pediatrician
- Determine if hearing aids are needed
- Start early intervention services by 6 months old
- Learn techniques to promote language development
With prompt treatment, babies with hearing deficits often catch up on speech and language milestones by age 2. Early intervention services such as speech therapy, sign language instruction, and assistive devices make a significant difference.
Conclusion
Testing your baby’s hearing at home between doctor visits is easy and important. Look for responses to sounds, noises, voices, and music. Note if your baby localizes sound sources. Be attentive for signs of hearing loss like lack of startle reflex, ignoring sounds, or delays in babbling. Home tests can alert you to potential issues. See a pediatric audiologist right away if hearing loss is suspected. With early detection and intervention, babies can thrive despite hearing difficulties.