 Your baby's most important learning will take place between birth and 4 years of age. In the first 4 years of life, children learn how to understand what people say, and begin to talk. To do this, the child must have functional hearing in at least one ear. You can do some simple checks recommended by the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf to find out if your baby hears. As the weeks and months go by, check to see if your baby DOES most of the things listed. If the baby DOESN'T, don't wait! Tell your doctor immediately. If the doctor cannot accurately test your baby's hearing, contact the AUM Speech and Hearing Clinic. A baby's hearing can be tested at any age. If your baby can't hear well, proper medical help and special training are needed AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. CHECK LIST Birth to 3 months Startled by loud sounds (not vibrations like a door slamming). Soothed by mother's voice. 3 - 6 months Turns eyes and head to search for location of sound. Responds to mother's voice. Imitates own noises - oohs, ba-ba, etc. Enjoys rattles and other sound-making toys. 6 - 10 months Responds to own name, telephone ringing, someone's voice even when not loud. Understands "No!", "bye-bye", and other common words. 10 - 15 months Can point to or look at familiar objects or people when asked to do so. Imitates simple words and sounds. 15 - 18 months Follows simple spoken directions. First words are well on their way. By 18 months there should be many more words. 
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