The sooner hearing loss is diagnosed and intervention is initiated, the better the outcomes for speech and language development. For this reason it is important for parents/caregivers, physicians and others who work with young children to be aware of the signs of possible hearing loss.

Infants and young children with normal hearing sensitivity generally develop listening and communication skills in a typical developmental sequence. Children should acquire skills (milestones) by a certain age. A delay in these milestones may be a sign of hearing loss or other developmental delay.