A Checklist to Help You Spot...

Although most states now have mandatory requirements for hearing tests while a newborn is still in the hospital, some hearing-impaired children slip by the safeguards and aren't diagnosed by age 3, says the National Association of the Deaf.

The reason: A lot of parents don't know the signs of hearing loss. Hearing loss also can accompany other disabilities and could be overlooked.

Hearing impairment can occur in the frequencies detected and in loudness of sound detected. Early detection and treatment can head off problems later. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders offers the following checklist:

Birth to 3 months

At birth to 3 months, does your child:

• React to loud sounds?

• Seem soothed by your voice?

• Turn his or her head when you speak?

• Smile when spoken to?

3 to 6 months

At 3 to 6 months, does your child:

• Look up or turn toward a new sound?

• Respond to no and changes in tone of voice?

• Imitate his or her own voice?

• Enjoy rattles and other sound-making toys?

• Begin to repeat sounds (like ooh and ba-ba)?

• Seem scared by loud sounds?

6 to 10 months

At 6 to 10 months, does your child:

• Respond to his or her name, a ringing phone, or someone's soft voice?

• Know words for common things (cup or shoe) and sayings (bye-bye)?

• Make babbling sounds, even if alone?

• Start to respond to requests, such as come here

• Look at things or pictures when someone talks about them?

10 to 15 months

At 10 to 15 months, does your child:

• Play with his or her voice, enjoying the sound and feel of it?

• Point to or look at familiar objects or people when asked to do so?

• Imitate simple words and sounds, and use a few single words meaningfully?

• Enjoy games like peek-a-boo?

15 to 18 months

At 15 to 18 months, does your child:

• Follow simple directions, such as Give me the ball?

• Use words he or she has heard often?

• Use two- to three-word sentences to talk about and ask for things?

• Know 10 to 20 words?

18 to 24 months

At 18 to 24 months, does your child:

• Understand simple yes-no questions, such as Are you hungry?

• Understand simple phrases (in the cup or on the table)?

• Enjoy hearing you read to him or her?

• Point to pictures when asked?

24 to 36 months

At 24 to 36 months, does your child:

• Understand not now and no more?

• Choose things by size (big, little)?

• Follow simple directions, such as Get your shoes and Drink your milk?

• Understand many action words (run or jump)?

If you answered no to items at any age, talk with your child's health care provider.