Audiology Milestones

Birth to 3 months

• reacts to loud sounds with startle reflex
• is soothed and quieted by soft sounds
• turns head to you when you speak
• is awakened by loud voices and sounds smiles in response to voices when spoken to
• seems to know your voice and quiets down if crying

3 to 6 months

• looks or turns toward a new sound
• responds to "no" and changes in tone of voice
• imitates his/her own voice
• enjoys rattles and other toys that make sounds
• begins to repeat sounds (such as ooh, aah, and ba-ba)
• becomes scared by a loud voice or noise

6 to 10 months

• responds to his/her own name, telephone ringing, someone's voice, even when not loud
• knows words for common things (cup, shoe) and sayings ("bye-bye")
• makes babbling sounds, even when alone
• starts to respond to request such as "come here"
• looks at things or pictures when someone talks about them

10 to 15 months

• plays with own voice, enjoying the sound and feel of it
• points to or looks at familiar objects or people when asked to do so
• imitates simple words and sounds; may use a few single words meaningfully
• enjoys games like peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake
• follows one step commands when shown by a gesture

15 to 18 months

• follows simple directions, such as "give me the ball" without being shown
• uses words he/she has learned often
• uses 2 to 3 word sentences to talk about and ask for things
• knows 10 to 20 words
• points to some body parts when asked

18 to 24 months

• understands simple "yes-no" questions (Are you hungry?)
• understands simple phrases ("in the cup," "on the table")
• enjoys being read to
• points to pictures when asked

24 to 36 months

• understands "not now" and "no more"
• chooses things by size (big, little)
• follows two step commands, such as "get your shoes and come here"
• understands "not now" and "no more"
• understands many action words (run, jump)