Baby's Senses: Hearing
Hearing, or the "auditory sense", is ready to go at birth, and even before! Around 18 weeks of pregnancy, Baby starts hearing sounds from inside their mother's body, like her heartbeat and the swishing of amniotic fluid. By weeks 27–29, they can hear external sounds, too, like their mother's voice or music playing nearby. Many parents notice Baby kicking or reacting to loud sounds, or calming with gentle music.
After birth, newborns with typical hearing will startle at loud noises and become quiet or focused when hearing familiar voices. They especially love higher-pitched, sing-song voices, and may even be comforted by the same music or stories they heard inside the womb! From those early reactions, Baby will quickly grow into an active listener, responding to their name, participating in back-and-forth communication, and beginning to understand the words around them.
How It Develops
Hearing in the first year
How to Help
Expert-designed activities to try
When to Get Support
Hearing screening & concerns
⚑ How Hearing Develops
As Baby's listening skills develop, you'll see them react and respond to sounds differently, and start participating in two-way communication. Watch for these signs of hearing development in Baby's first year:
2 Months
Quiets or smiles in response to a sound or voice
4 Months
Turns their head toward a sound or voice, showing they can locate where it's coming from
Notices toys that make sounds
6 Months
Listens and responds when spoken to, an early sign of two-way communication
Begins to giggle or laugh, often in response to familiar voices and playful sounds
Reacts to sudden noises or sounds
9 Months
Looks at familiar objects and people when named
Recognizes the sound of their name and commonly used words
Takes turns vocalizing back and forth with caregivers
Is no longer fearful of everyday sounds
12 Months
Imitates speech sounds, practicing for first words using what they hear
Has grown accustomed to everyday sounds and is usually not startled by them
Helping Hearing Develop
Try these expert-designed activities to help develop Baby's hearing!
When to Get Support with Hearing
Baby should have their hearing screened soon after birth to make sure it's developing as expected.
If Baby doesn't startle at loud noises, respond to familiar voices, or react to their name as they grow, write down what you see and share it with Baby's healthcare provider.
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