Universal infant hearing screenings
Early detection for lifelong communication
Every day, approximately 33 babies (or 12,000 each year) are born in the United States with permanent hearing loss, making it the most common health condition detected through newborn screening tests. Early diagnosis is essential, as the most critical years for speech and language development occur between birth and three years old. By 18 months, children develop 80% of their language skills, and by 2½ years, they should be able to form simple sentences. Early detection and addressing hearing loss significantly improve a child's ability to develop essential communication skills.
Tailored hearing screenings for newborns
Hearing screenings for infants are quick, painless, and typically performed within hours of birth. At Telfair BirthPlace, newborns undergo hearing assessments as part of their routine evaluation. The screening uses automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) technology, which plays soft clicking sounds through small earphones placed on the baby's ears. Sensors on the baby's head detect responses from the hearing nerve, allowing for accurate assessment.
- If the baby passes: There is a 99% confidence that their hearing is sufficient for everyday speech and language development.
- If the baby does not pass: It does not necessarily indicate permanent hearing loss. In these cases, a second screening after hospital discharge is recommended.
Because hearing loss can sometimes develop later due to family history, illness, or accidents, periodic hearing tests during childhood are advised.
Monitor your child’s hearing and speech development
Parents play a vital role in identifying early signs of hearing or speech challenges in their children. Because you know your child best, you’re often the first to notice when something doesn’t seem quite right. Early detection is key to ensuring your child receives the support they need to thrive. Use the **developmental checklist below to keep track of important communication milestones and monitor your child’s progress over time.
If you notice any delays or have concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician or a speech and hearing specialist for guidance.
**Please note: this checklist is intended as a general guide, not a diagnostic tool—every child develops at their own pace, and variations in timing are completely normal.
Child developmental checklist
Birth – 3 Months
Startles or reacts to loud noises
Awakens when hearing sudden sounds
Calms when hearing a familiar voice
Pauses movement and listens intently to sounds
4 – 6 Months
Turns toward interesting sounds
Enjoys sound-making toys (rattles, chimes)
Appears to listen to speech
Coos and mimics sounds
7 – 10 Months
Turns head when their name is called
Searches for new sounds in the room
Quickly responds to “sh-sh” sounds
Reacts to familiar words like "no" and "bye-bye"
Babbles with a variety of sounds
11 – 18 Months
Points to familiar objects or people when asked
Follows simple spoken instructions
Recognizes body parts when named
Says 2-3 words by age 1 and expands to 8-10 words by 18 months
Begins asking 1–2-word questions
By 2 Years
Immediately locates sounds from any direction
Enjoys listening to music, TV or radio
Responds to spoken words in books
Forms two- to three-word sentences
Refers to themselves by name
Has a vocabulary of approximately 270 words
2½ – 4 Years
Notices common household sounds (barking dogs, doorbells, knocking)
Points to pictures when named
Hears TV or radio at the same volume as others
Understands conversations easily
Hears you when called from another room
Forms two- to three-word sentences and frequently asks “why” and “what” questions
By 5 Years
Hears and understands most speech clearly
Responds to questions when called the first time
Detects and understands quiet speech
Demonstrates clear articulation, except possibly for “s” and “th” sounds
Uses complete sentences with appropriate grammar and structure
Prioritizing early detection for a lifetime of communication
Early screening and periodic evaluations are essential in detecting and addressing infant hearing loss. Identifying issues early enables timely intervention, improving your child's speech, language and social development.
If you have concerns or questions about your child’s hearing, contact the Center for Oto-Neurology at 912-819-2479 for more information or to schedule an evaluation.