Hearing loss is when you can’t hear sound in one or both ears . It can range from mild to  severe. It is a common birth defect. When hearing loss is present at birth, it is known as congenital hearing loss. However you can also develop it later in life.

What are the signs of hearing loss ?

Here are signs that should make you suspect that your child has hearing loss and alert you to call your pediatrician. They include the following  :

• your baby  doesn’t startle at large noise by the first month of life or turn to the source of a sound by 3 to 4 months
• he doesn’t notice you until he sees you
• not babbling  by year 1
• not using single words or following simple instructions by 18 months
• not using simple two word sentences by year 2
• he doesnt always respond when called
• he seems to hear some sounds but not others
• he seems not only to hear poorly but also has trouble holding his head steady, or is slow to sit or walk unsupported.