24 months. A 2-year-old with normal hearing has the foundation for speech and language development. Your child should be well on the way to talking and understanding speech.

When should I have my baby's hearing tested?

To learn to talk and to understand speech, your baby must be able to hear, If you think that your baby has a hearing problem, talk to your doctor and have the baby's hearing tested by a pediatric audiologist right away. A baby is never too young to have a hearing test. When a hearing loss is found early enough, many things can be done to help your baby.

How can I help my baby learn to listen and talk?

• Talk to your baby pleasantly and naturally.
• Hold your young baby close to you and talk or sing quietly.
• Try to imitate the sounds your baby makes.
• Provide noisy toys-rattles, squeakers, and bells.
• Play word games and laughing and tickling games with your baby ("Pat-a-Cake," 'Peek-a-Boo").
• Read books and talk about objects and toys. Ask your older baby to point to the pictures.
• Call attention to sounds around your baby, and noises made by toys.
• Make simple speech sounds and animal sounds, and encourage your baby to imitate you.
• Name objects such as toys, foods, and body parts, and encourage your baby to imitate the words.
• Sing simple songs, say simple, short rhymes, and play musical games with your baby.

Helping organizations

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
10801
Rockville PikeRockville, M 20852
Helpline: (800) 638-8255

National Easter Seal Society
2023 West Ogden Avenue
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 243-8400

Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf
3417 Volta Place, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 337-5220

American Society for Deaf Children
814 Thayer Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 585-5400

For more information
Simmons-Martin,A. 1975. Chats with Johnny's parents. Washington, DC: The Alexander Graham Bell Assoication for the Deaf.

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