What is a potential sign of hearing impairment in infants?

A potential sign of hearing impairment in infants is the absence of a startle response to loud noises. Typically, infants will react to sudden loud sounds by being startled, which may include physical reactions such as flinching, crying, or turning their heads toward the source of the noise. This reflex occurs as a natural response to auditory stimuli, serving as an early indication of their hearing ability.

If an infant does not exhibit this response, it could suggest that they are not perceiving sound as they should, indicating a possible hearing impairment. Early detection and intervention are crucial for addressing hearing issues, as they can significantly impact a child's development, including language acquisition and social skills.

Other signs may include lack of eye contact and poor vocalization; however, these can be influenced by a variety of factors not solely related to hearing. Delayed crawling is also not directly linked to hearing capabilities and may be associated more with motor skill development.