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Early Signs of Hearing Impairment at 18–24 Months
By 18–24 months, watch for a toddler who doesn't turn to their name or soft sounds, uses very few words, doesn't follow simple spoken instructions, or leans on lip-reading and gestures. Frequent ear infections and any loss of words also warrant a prompt, painless hearing check — most causes are very treatable when caught early.
In this answer 5 sections
By 18 to 24 months, hearing is the doorway to talking — when words and responses lag, your ears-first instinct is exactly right.
In short
By 18–24 months a toddler should turn to their name, follow simple instructions, and use a growing handful of words. Early signs of hearing impairment include not responding to soft sounds or their name, very few or no words, not following simple spoken requests, and relying heavily on watching your face or gestures. These are signs to check promptly — not to panic — because hearing is very treatable when caught early.
Signs to watch at 18–24 months
Listening and responding
- Doesn't turn to their name or to everyday sounds unless they can see you
- Doesn't startle or react to loud sounds, or seems to "tune out"
- Needs the TV or music much louder than the rest of the family
- Responds inconsistently — better in quiet, much worse with background noise
Talking and understanding
- Very few or no clear words by 18 months; not combining two words near 24 months
- Speech sounds unclear or limited compared with peers
- Doesn't follow simple spoken instructions without gestures ("give me the ball")
- Watches your lips and face intently to understand
Everyday clues
- Frequent ear infections, ear-pulling, or fluid (common, very treatable causes)
- Stopped babbling or using words they once had — act on any loss of skills
Why early action matters
These years are the richest window for spoken language, so even mild or fluctuating hearing loss can quietly slow words. Many causes — like glue ear — are temporary and treatable. A simple, painless hearing test (audiology) confirms what's happening, and speech therapy supports language alongside any medical care.
The Pinnacle way
Developmental measurement supports care planning; diagnosis requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. under qualified clinician care — our AbilityScore® is a clinician-administered structured assessment that maps listening, language and play to guide a clear plan. Learn more about hearing impairment and how speech therapy builds early communication.
Trusted sources
Aligned with WHO ICD-11, CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestones, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org).
Next step — if your toddler isn't responding to sound or words as you'd expect, book a hearing and developmental check. Reach the Pinnacle team on WhatsApp: +91 91001 81181.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
CONNECT THE ANSWER TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY
Something to notice. Something to discuss.
What to notice
Act same-week on any loss of words or babble a child once had, or no response to loud sounds at all — these warrant a prompt hearing test rather than waiting.
In everyday life
Try the quiet test: from behind, out of sight, softly call your toddler's name or shake a rattle. Consistent turning toward soft sound is reassuring; no response is worth a check.
Bring your observations and questions to your child’s professional. Choose activities that suit your child’s comfort, abilities and agreed plan.
Bring your questions to a first visitQuestions families ask
My toddler had lots of ear infections — could that affect hearing?
Yes. Frequent ear infections and fluid behind the eardrum (glue ear) can cause temporary, fluctuating hearing loss that slows words. It's very common and usually treatable, so a hearing check and a chat with your paediatrician are worthwhile.
My child says a few words — should I still worry about hearing?
A few words is encouraging, but if they don't turn to their name, need the TV very loud, or struggle to follow simple spoken requests, a painless hearing test is still wise. Hearing can be partial, and catching it early protects language.
Isn't it too early to test hearing at this age?
Not at all. Hearing can be checked reliably from birth onward, and age-appropriate tests for toddlers are simple and painless. Early checks mean any support starts during the richest window for learning to talk.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
References behind this answer.
- Source referenceWHO ICD-11
- Source referenceCDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early.
- Organisation website · further readingAmerican Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
References are supplied with this answer. An organisation homepage offers further reading; it does not establish an independent review of this page.
Content attribution: SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network.
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