Key takeaways: Babies hear in the womb and recognize familiar voices at birth. Hearing supports language from the start. Keep noise levels moderate, place white noise machines away from the crib at low volume, and use hearing protection at loud events. Watch for hearing milestones even after a passed newborn screen.
Hearing is one of the earliest senses to develop. Babies begin hearing sounds in the womb during the second half of pregnancy.
What Newborns Hear
- Newborns can hear sounds and often startle at loud noises.
- They recognize their parent’s voice and may calm to it.
- They prefer human voices, especially high-pitched, sing-song speech.
How Hearing Supports Development
Hearing is the foundation for spoken language. Babies learn the sounds of their language by listening long before they talk. That’s why early detection of hearing loss is important.
Hearing Milestones
- Birth to 3 months: startles at loud sounds, quiets or smiles when spoken to.
- 4 to 6 months: turns eyes or head toward sounds, responds to changes in tone of voice.
- 7 to 12 months: turns toward sounds, responds to their name, babbles, understands simple words.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book follows your baby’s growth and development month by month, from the first hours after birth to the first birthday.
Protecting Your Baby’s Ears
- White noise machines: a study of infant sleep machines found some could produce sound levels above recommended limits when placed close to the crib at maximum volume. Place the machine across the room, keep the volume low, and consider turning it off after your baby falls asleep.
- Loud events: fireworks, concerts, sporting events, and loud parties can be harmful. Use infant hearing protection earmuffs or avoid very loud environments.
- Toys: some noisy toys can be loud when held close to the ear. Choose toys with volume controls or lower volume.
- Headphones: not recommended for babies.
Hearing Screening
All newborns should have a hearing screen, ideally by 1 month of age. Babies who don’t pass should have a full evaluation by 3 months. Some babies develop hearing loss later, so continue to watch milestones.
Ear Infections and Hearing
Fluid behind the eardrum after ear infections can temporarily affect hearing. Talk with your doctor if your baby has frequent infections or you notice changes in responses to sound.
Talk to your baby’s doctor if your baby: doesn’t startle at loud sounds, doesn’t turn toward voices by about 6 months, doesn’t babble by about 9 months, or doesn’t respond to their name. Ask for a hearing test anytime you have concerns.
The Bottom Line
Babies are born ready to listen. Protect their ears from loud noise, talk and sing often, and watch hearing milestones.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- White Noise for Babies: How Loud Is Too Loud?
- Your Baby’s First Month: Development and What Helps
- Music and Your Baby
Sources
- Joint Committee on Infant Hearing. Year 2019 position statement: principles and guidelines for early hearing detection and intervention programs. J Early Hear Detect Interv. 2019;4(2):1-44.
- Hugh SC, Wolter NE, Propst EJ, Gordon KA, Cushing SL, Papsin BC. Infant sleep machines and hazardous sound pressure levels. Pediatrics. 2014;133(4):677-681.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Hearing and communication milestones. https://www.asha.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hearing loss in children. https://www.cdc.gov/hearing-loss-children
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
