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[Withdrawn] Newborn hearing screening: reaction to sounds checklist

Updated 16 September 2021

This promotional material was withdrawn on

Please refer to the combined making and reacting to sounds checklists.

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/newborn-hearing-screening-reacting-to-sounds-checklist/newborn-hearing-screening-reaction-to-sounds-checklist

This checklist and the ‘Making sounds checklist’ give advice on what to look for as your baby grows to check if they can hear.

Not all babies can do things at the same age. The ages presented here are just a guide.

This checklist was adapted with permission from B. McCormick, 1982.

Checklist

Shortly after birth

A baby:

  • is startled by a sudden loud noise such as a hand clap or a door slamming
  • blinks, opens eyes widely, stops sucking or starts to cry to such sounds

1 month old

A baby:

  • starts to notice sudden, prolonged sounds like the noise of a vacuum cleaner and may turn towards the noise
  • pauses and listens to noises when they begin

4 months old

A baby, even when they cannot see the source of a sound:

  • goes quiet or smiles at the sounds of a familiar voice
  • turns their eyes or head towards a familiar voice
  • shows excitement at sounds (such as voices, footsteps and so on)

7 months old

A baby, if not too busy with other things:

  • turns immediately to a familiar voice across the room
  • turns immediately to very quiet noises made on each side

9 months old

A baby:

  • listens closely to familiar, everyday sounds
  • searches for very quiet sounds made out of sight

12 months old

A baby:

  • shows some response to own name
  • may respond to expressions like ‘no’ and ‘bye bye’ even when any accompanying gesture cannot be seen

If you think your child may have hearing difficulties

If at any stage in the baby or child’s development you think they may have difficulties hearing, contact your health visitor or doctor.

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