Quick Answer: Children may have a hearing problem if they do not react to loud sounds, turn toward voices, frequently say “What?” or “Huh?”, speak unclearly, struggle to follow directions, or regularly use high TV or tablet volume. Ear infections and fluid buildup can also cause temporary hearing difficulties. If you notice these signs, talk with your pediatrician about hearing screening or an audiology evaluation. Early identification can support healthy speech, language, learning, and social development.
As a parent, it can be easy to assume that your child is simply not listening when they do not respond to you. Maybe your toddler ignores you when you call their name, your preschooler keeps saying “What?” or your older child turns the television volume higher than usual.
Sometimes, these behaviors are just part of being a child. But they can also be signs that your child is having trouble hearing.
As a pediatrician, I have seen how important hearing is to a child’s speech, language, learning, and social development. Hearing problems are not always obvious, and a child can develop hearing changes even after passing a newborn hearing screening.
The good news is that hearing concerns can often be identified with simple screening and appropriate follow-up. In this article, I will explain the key signs parents should watch for and when it is time to talk with a pediatrician.
Why Is Hearing Important for a Child’s Development?
Children learn a great deal by listening. From the first months of life, babies begin responding to voices, sounds, and conversations around them.
Hearing difficulties can affect how a child develops speech and language. They may also make it harder for a child to follow directions, participate in class, interact with other children, or communicate their needs.
The CDC recommends that parents speak with their child’s doctor promptly if they suspect a hearing problem rather than waiting to see whether it improves on its own. Early identification gives children a better opportunity to receive appropriate support when needed.
What Are the Key Signs of a Hearing Problem?
Hearing problems can look different depending on a child’s age. Parents often notice changes in everyday behavior before anyone formally identifies a hearing concern.
Here are some signs I encourage parents to watch for.
1. Your Baby Does Not React to Loud Sounds
Young babies usually respond to sounds in their environment. A baby may startle, blink, become quiet, or move when exposed to a sudden loud noise.
If your baby consistently does not seem to notice loud sounds, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Parents should also watch how their baby responds to familiar voices and sounds as they grow.
2. Your Baby Does Not Turn Toward Sounds
As babies develop, they generally become more aware of where sounds are coming from.
The CDC lists not turning toward the source of a sound after about 6 months as one possible sign of hearing loss.
If your baby turns toward you when they can see you but does not respond when you call from behind, mention this at the next pediatric visit.
3. Speech Seems Delayed or Unclear
Hearing and speech development are closely connected.
A child who cannot hear speech clearly may have difficulty learning and copying sounds and words. You may notice that your child is using fewer words than expected, is difficult to understand, or does not seem to be progressing with language.
Speech delay does not always mean hearing loss. There can be many reasons for delayed speech. However, hearing should be considered as part of the evaluation.
4. Your Child Frequently Says “Huh?” or “What?”
Older children may not tell you that they cannot hear properly. Instead, they may ask you to repeat yourself frequently.
You may notice that your child says “What?” several times during conversations or seems to understand you only when you are facing them.
This can be especially noticeable when there is background noise.
5. Your Child Turns the TV or Tablet Volume Up
Does your child regularly turn the television volume higher than everyone else prefers?
One possible explanation is that your child is having difficulty hearing at a normal volume.
This does not automatically mean there is a hearing problem. Children may simply prefer loud entertainment. But if increased volume happens along with other signs, I recommend bringing it to your pediatrician’s attention. The CDC includes unusually high TV or radio volume among possible signs of hearing loss.
6. Your Child Does Not Follow Directions
Sometimes parents believe their child is ignoring them or not paying attention.
But if a child repeatedly does not follow simple instructions, hearing should be considered, especially when the child responds normally when they can see you.
The CDC notes that difficulty following directions can sometimes be mistaken for inattention when hearing loss is actually involved.
Can Ear Infections Affect a Child’s Hearing?
Yes. Ear infections are common during childhood, and they can temporarily affect hearing.
An infection or fluid buildup behind the eardrum can interfere with how sound travels through the middle ear. A child may therefore complain that their ear feels blocked or may not respond normally to sounds.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, hearing difficulty can continue for several weeks during or after an ear infection while fluid clears from the middle ear.
This is one reason I encourage parents not to ignore repeated ear infections or ongoing hearing concerns.
If your child has ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear, or noticeable difficulty hearing, an examination can help determine what is causing the problem.
When Should a Child Have a Hearing Screening?
Newborn hearing screening is an important first step. The CDC recommends that all babies receive hearing screening by 1 month of age. If a baby does not pass the screening, a complete hearing evaluation should be completed by 3 months, with early intervention beginning by 6 months when hearing loss is confirmed. These are commonly known as the 1-3-6 benchmarks.
But hearing screening does not end after the newborn period.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine hearing testing during childhood because hearing can change as children grow. The AAP guidance includes hearing screening at ages 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10, followed by additional screening during adolescence.
A child may also need testing sooner if parents, teachers, caregivers, or the pediatrician notice a concern.
What Should Parents Do If They Suspect Hearing Loss?
First, do not panic.
There are many possible reasons a child may not respond normally to sounds. Temporary fluid from a cold or ear infection can affect hearing. Other causes may require a more detailed evaluation.
I recommend these steps:
- Talk with your child’s pediatrician.
- Explain the specific behaviors you have noticed.
- Mention any recent or repeated ear infections.
- Tell the doctor about speech or language concerns.
- Share whether hearing problems run in your family.
- Follow through with a recommended hearing screening or audiology evaluation.
A hearing screening is generally quick and painless. If a child does not pass a screening, a full hearing evaluation with an audiologist can determine whether hearing loss is present and what type it may be.
Hearing Care at Gentle Pediatrics
At Gentle Pediatrics, our goal is to make parents feel comfortable discussing concerns about their child’s development and health.
During a pediatric visit, we listen to your concerns, examine your child’s ears, review their medical and developmental history, and determine whether hearing screening or further evaluation is appropriate.
When a child needs more detailed hearing testing, an audiologist can perform a comprehensive evaluation. Depending on the findings, additional care may involve an ear, nose, and throat specialist or other professionals.
About Dr. Shahid Hasnain
I have been board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics since 1998 and have spent more than two decades caring for infants, children, and adolescents.
My medical training includes a pediatric internship at Lincoln Hospital in New York and residency training at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, where I served as Chief Resident during my final year. I also completed a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Maternal & Child Health.
At Gentle Pediatrics, I combine medical knowledge with a patient and gentle approach. I believe parents should understand why we recommend a particular test or evaluation and what the results may mean for their child.
Final Thoughts
Hearing problems are not always easy to recognize. A child may not complain that they cannot hear, especially when the change is mild or develops gradually.
Watch for changes in speech, responsiveness, listening behavior, and reactions to sounds. Pay particular attention after ear infections or when your child repeatedly seems unable to hear you.
If something does not seem right, trust your instincts and talk with your pediatrician. Early evaluation can help identify hearing problems and connect children with the support they need.
Schedule a Hearing Screening
If you have concerns about your child’s ear health, our team at Gentle Pediatrics is here to help.
Gentle Pediatrics proudly serves families throughout:
- Sugar Land
- Richmond
- Rosenberg
- Stafford
- Katy
- Houston
Gentle Pediatrics — Sugar Land, Texas
Contact our office today or fill out the online patient registration form to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can an ear infection cause temporary hearing loss in children?
Yes. Fluid behind the eardrum during or after an ear infection can interfere with sound transmission and cause temporary hearing difficulty.
2. Can a child have hearing loss after passing a newborn hearing screening?
Yes. Some hearing changes develop later in childhood. That is why routine hearing assessment and attention to new concerns remain important.
3. Is delayed speech always caused by hearing loss?
No. Speech and language delays can have many causes. Hearing is one important factor that should be evaluated when a child has delayed or unclear speech.
4. What happens if my child does not pass a hearing screening?
Your child may need a more complete hearing evaluation with an audiologist. The appropriate next step depends on your child’s age, screening result, medical history, and symptoms.
5. When should I call a pediatrician about my child’s hearing?
If you notice a change in how your child responds to sounds, delayed speech, frequent requests to repeat yourself, unusually high TV volume, or hearing problems after ear infections, discuss your concerns with your pediatrician.
This article is intended for general educational purposes and should not replace an examination, diagnosis, or personalized medical advice from your child’s healthcare provider. If you are concerned about your child’s hearing, speech, development, ear pain, or response to sounds, speak with a qualified pediatrician or hearing specialist.