From the moment hearing loss is suspected or diagnosed, your family enters a new world of information and terminology.
A clear, thorough understanding of hearing loss will help provide the base for the decisions and adjustments ahead.
In the following pages you can read about early signs of hearing loss, about school and communication, and about how you, as a parent of a child with hearing loss, can help your child with the practical and emotional issues surrounding hearing loss.
Milestones for hearing development
Prenatal stimulation
The human foetus possesses rudimentary hearing from 20 weeks of gestation. This hearing will develop and mature during the remainder of gestation.The foetus is able to hear sounds outside the mother’s body, although it is able to hear low-frequency sounds much better than high-frequency sounds.
0-4 months
Startle to sudden or loud sounds. Begin to localise sounds with eyes or head movements.
3-6 months
Interest in different sounds. Experiment with making own sounds. Seemingly recognise familiar voices.
6-12 months
Babble. Begin to understand simple words such as "mommy" and "bye-bye". Begin to follow simple instructions.
12-18 months
Words begin to form from the babble. Can use around 20 words and understand around 50 words.
2 years
Can usually speak in simple sentences using a vocabulary of around 200-300 words. Enjoy being read to and can identify and name many things in picture books.
3-4 years
Use words and sentences to express needs, questions and feelings. Vocabulary, pronunciation and understanding improve markedly during these years.
Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.
Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.
Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.