# Early Signs of Hearing Impairment at 12–18 Months

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-hearing-impairment-in-a-12-to-18-month-old
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

By 12–18 months, watch for a toddler who doesn't turn to their name, doesn't startle at loud sounds, has little or fading babble, no clear words by 15–18 months, can't follow a simple spoken request, and relies heavily on watching your face. These are signs to check hearing promptly with an audiologist — early support protects speech and language.

*By 12 to 18 months, a little one is meant to be turning to your voice, babbling back, and reaching for their first words — when those sounds and responses seem quiet, hearing is the first thing worth checking.*

## In short
By 12–18 months most toddlers respond to their name, follow simple spoken requests, copy sounds, and use a handful of words. Early signs of hearing impairment include not turning towards sound, no clear words by 15–18 months, not following simple verbal instructions, and a strong reliance on watching your face or gestures. These are reasons to check hearing promptly — not to panic — because early support changes everything.

## Signs to watch between 12 and 18 months
**Listening and responding**
- Does not turn or look when you call their name from behind
- Doesn't startle, settle or react to loud or sudden sounds
- Notices you mainly when they can see you, not when you speak from another room

**Talking and copying**
- Little or no babbling, or babble that has faded rather than grown
- No single clear words by around 15–18 months (such as "mama", "dada", "bye")
- Doesn't try to copy simple sounds or words you make

**Understanding**
- Can't follow a simple spoken request like "give me the ball" without gestures
- Doesn't point to a familiar object when you name it
- Watches faces and hands intently, leaning on visual cues to understand

## Why early checking matters
Hearing is the foundation for speech, language and social connection. Even a mild or one-sided hearing loss in these months can quietly slow word learning. Some hearing changes appear after birth — from ear infections, fluid, or other causes — so a child who passed a newborn screen can still need a fresh check. Hearing can fluctuate, so persistent or repeated signs deserve a proper hearing assessment by an audiologist.

## The Pinnacle way
A clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care — never from an online list. Our team supports families with audiology-linked [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) and a clear, calm pathway. Learn more about [hearing impairment](https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/hearing-impairment) and what support looks like at every age. With 4.95 lakh+ families served across 70+ centres, you are not walking this alone.

## Trusted sources
Guided by WHO ICD-11, the CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestones, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org), which all emphasise prompt hearing checks when speech or listening seems delayed.

**Next step —** if any of these signs feel familiar, book a hearing and developmental check. Message the Pinnacle team on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181 to arrange it.

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

## Sources
- CDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early. (milestones): https://www.cdc.gov/child-development
- American Academy of Pediatrics — HealthyChildren.org: https://www.healthychildren.org
- WHO ICD-11: https://icd.who.int/en

## Connected topics and perspectives
- Conditions: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/conditions
- Parent / Family: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent
- Toddler-12-18: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/age/toddler-12-18
- Sensory: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/sensory
- Early Signs: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/early_signs
- Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen
- Speech Therapy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/speech-therapy
- Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity
- Hearing Impairment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/condition/hearing
- English: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/language/en
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/sdg/10
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/sdg/3
- ASHA / PHC / Frontline: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/asha_phc
- Doctor / Pediatrician: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/doctor

## Related question paths

### Understand the subject
- How Hearing Impairment Affects a Child's Daily Life: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-hearing-impairment-affect-a-child-s-daily-life
- Is Hearing Impairment considered a disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-hearing-impairment-considered-a-disability
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- What is Hearing Impairment, and what are its ICD-11 features in early childhood?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-hearing-impairment-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood
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- What is the SNOMED CT concept for Hearing Impairment?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-snomed-ct-concept-for-hearing-impairment

### Recognise signs & concerns
- Early Signs of Hearing Impairment in an 18-to-24-Month-Old: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-hearing-impairment-in-a-18-to-24-month-old
- Early Signs of Hearing Impairment in a 9-to-12-Month-Old: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-hearing-impairment-in-a-9-to-12-month-old
- What are the early signs of Hearing Impairment?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-hearing-impairment
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- When should I worry about hearing impairment at 12-18 months?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/when-should-i-worry-that-my-12-to-18-month-old-might-have-hearing-impairment
- Early Signs of Hearing Impairment at 3-6 Months: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-hearing-impairment-in-a-3-to-6-month-old
- Can Hearing Impairment Be Cured?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-hearing-impairment-be-cured
- Can Hearing Impairment Be Prevented?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-hearing-impairment-be-prevented
- Do boys show hearing impairment differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-boys-show-hearing-impairment-differently
- Do girls show hearing impairment differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-girls-show-hearing-impairment-differently
- Early Signs of Hearing Impairment in a 1-Year-Old Girl: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-hearing-impairment-in-a-1-year-old-girl
- Early Signs of Hearing Impairment in a 2-Year-Old: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-hearing-impairment-in-a-2-year-old

### Explore causes & influences
- Are Boys More Likely to Have Hearing Impairment?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-boys-more-likely-to-have-hearing-impairment
- Are girls more likely to have hearing impairment?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-girls-more-likely-to-have-hearing-impairment
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- Early Intervention for Hearing Impairment: Advancing Child Rights and the SDGs: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-early-intervention-for-hearing-impairment-advance-un-child-rights-uncrpd-and-the-sdgs
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- Cost-effectiveness of early therapy for hearing impairment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-cost-effectiveness-of-early-therapy-for-hearing-impairment-in-young-children
- Hearing Impairment in young children: India's prevalence and public-health burden: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-prevalence-and-public-health-burden-of-hearing-impairment-among-young-children-in-india

### Understand assessment
- How AbilityScore Tracks Progress in a Child with Hearing Impairment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-abilityscore-track-progress-in-a-child-with-hearing-impairment
- How Hearing Impairment Is Assessed in a Young Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-hearing-impairment-assessed-in-a-young-child
- What does an AbilityScore of 0–100 mean for a child with Hearing Impairment?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-mean-for-a-child-with-hearing-impairment
- What does an AbilityScore of 100–200 mean for a child with Hearing Impairment?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-100-200-mean-for-a-child-with-hearing-impairment
- AbilityScore 200–300 for a child with Hearing Impairment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-mean-for-a-child-with-hearing-impairment
- What an AbilityScore of 300–400 Means for Hearing Impairment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-mean-for-a-child-with-hearing-impairment
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- What an AbilityScore® of 600–700 Means for a Child with Hearing Impairment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-600-700-mean-for-a-child-with-hearing-impairment
- What does an AbilityScore of 700–800 mean for a child with Hearing Impairment?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-700-800-mean-for-a-child-with-hearing-impairment
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### Explore therapy & support
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- Hearing Impairment AbilityScore 0–100 — Next Steps: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-hearing-impairment-has-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-what-should-we-do-next
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- AbilityScore 200–300 with Hearing Impairment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-hearing-impairment-has-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-what-should-we-do-next
- AbilityScore 300–400 with Hearing Impairment: What to Do Next: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-hearing-impairment-has-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-what-should-we-do-next
- AbilityScore 400–500 with Hearing Impairment — Next Steps: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-hearing-impairment-has-an-abilityscore-of-400-500-what-should-we-do-next
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