Hearing Impairment in Infants

Hearing impairment in babies refers to a partial or total decrease in the ability to perceive sounds during the first months or years of life. It may be present from birth or appear later, and it affects the development of language and communication.

Signs parents may notice: lack of reaction to loud noises or familiar voices, absence of babbling at the expected age, or a delay in the appearance of the first words.

Common causes: factors present since pregnancy or delivery, infections, family history, and certain ear conditions. Early detection greatly influences later development.

Which specialist treats it? The otolaryngologist, in coordination with the pediatrician, is the one who evaluates infant hearing through appropriate tests. If you notice that your baby does not respond to sounds as expected, it is worth bringing it up during a visit for a timely evaluation.