Hearing things

Signs to look for:

• Your baby isn’t startled, doesn’t blink or open her eyes in response to a sudden noise.
• At one month your baby doesn’t stay still to listen if you make a sudden, continuous sound.
• At three months your baby doesn’t calm down when you quieten your voice.
• At six months your baby doesn’t turn towards the sound of your voice across the room, or to quiet noises made from the side.
• At nine months your infant doesn’t babble or search for sounds made out of sight.
• At 12 months your infant doesn’t respond when you call her name

What can be done about deafness?

• If it’s caused by glue ear (also known as otic media), a simple operation to fit a minute plastic tube called a grommet may be all that’s needed. This balances the pressure in the middle ear by draining the fluid from it.
• A hearing aid can be fitted.
• Those who are more profoundly deaf are taught to communicate by signing, lip-reading, gesture and body language.

Early detection of deafness is important, as it enables families and professionals to begin working with a child before substantial language and communication problems build up. If you’re concerned about your baby’s hearing, tell your health visitor or consult your GP.