What is a common sign of hearing loss in very young children?

A common sign of hearing loss in very young children is the lack of response to loud sounds. Children typically demonstrate a natural curiosity about their environment, which includes reacting to sounds, both soft and loud. If a child consistently does not respond to loud noises, it may indicate that they are unable to hear those sounds effectively, suggesting a possible hearing impairment. This could be vital in identifying early hearing loss, allowing for timely intervention and support.

Other responses are less indicative of hearing loss. Excessive laughing may simply reflect a child's temperament or engagement with others, frequent staring at others could denote social observation or fascination, and increased babbling is often a sign of developing language skills rather than a signal of hearing issues.