Eich Cwestiynau - Checklist for parents
It is important to check your baby's hearing as he or she grows and the checklist below can help you look for and listen to your baby's responses.
Tell your health visitor or family doctor if you have any worries about your baby's hearing. They can arrange for your baby’s hearing to be tested.
Shortly after birth
He or she is startled by a sudden loud noise such as a hand clap or a door slamming. He or she blinks or opens eyes widely to these sounds or stops sucking or starts to cry.
One month
He or she starts to notice sudden prolonged sounds like the noise of a vacuum cleaner and may turn towards the noise. He or she pauses and listens to the noises when they begin.
Four months
He or she quietens or smiles to the sound of a familiar voice even when he or she cannot see the speaker, and turns his or her eyes or head towards the voice. He or she shows excitement at sounds, for example voices or footsteps.
Seven months
He or she turns immediately to a familiar voice across the room or to very quiet noises made on each side (if he or she is not too occupied with other things).
Nine months
He or she listens carefully to familiar everyday sounds and searches for very quiet sounds made out of sight.
Twelve months
He or she shows some response to his or her name. He or she may also respond to expressions like ‘no’ and ‘bye bye’, even when he or she cannot see any accompanying gesture.
Based on original by Professor Barry McCormick OBE and reproduced with permission.