Baby Doesn’t Jump at Loud Noises [Reasons & Solutions]

If your baby is not reacting to loud noises, it may be cause for concern. We will dive into a few reasons why this may occur, but we recommend that you take your baby to the doctor for a hearing test to rule out any serious issues that may be causing this.

Reason 1:  

Hearing loss is the most serious reason for your baby not responding to loud noises. There are two types of hearing loss;  Congenital Hearing Loss, which a baby is born with, and Acquired Hearing Loss which occurs sometime after birth.

 From early on, infants rely on their hearing to start learning, so they must be diagnosed if you suspect an issue.

Many different factors, including genetics, infections, exposure to loud noises, inner ear damage, and certain medications, can cause hearing loss.

It can be either mild or severe, and the faster you determine the cause, the better the chances your child will recover.

Reason 2: 

Habituation occurs when a baby becomes accustomed to noises that they frequently hear, so they stop responding altogether.

If your infant used to jump at loud noises and now no longer reacts, it may mean that they have become desensitized to familiar noises that constantly occur.

It does not always mean that your baby has lost their hearing. A busy or loud household may cause this to happen, and it may mean that your infant has just learned these sounds as a regular part of their environment.

Solution 1:

A newborn hearing test is typically performed before the baby is released from the hospital, but if your baby was not screened, you should get the doctor to evaluate them as soon as possible.

If your infant does have a condition that has caused hearing loss, the best time for them to receive help is before the 6-month mark, so time is of the essence.

Solution 2:

Even if your baby has already passed a hearing screening, a doctor’s checkup is still a good idea. This will give you peace of mind that nothing serious is going on with your baby’s development, and if there is an issue, you can address it immediately.

Since your baby is unable to communicate, it is important to know what to look for as indicators that your baby is hearing and responding to noises in a normal way. A guide can be found here to inform you of what you should be looking for from birth to 7 months.

Do all babies jump at loud noises?

Most newborns do jump at loud noises, but some will not. Unless your doctor has said otherwise, there is no need for concern.

What does it mean when an infant doesn’t startle?

A baby who does not startle may be comfortable in their surroundings and has gotten used to the household noise. It can also be a sign of hearing loss, but a lack of response to loud noises does not necessarily mean they cannot hear.

 What are the signs of deafness in babies?

Signs of deafness can show up in different ways depending on a baby’s age. This checklist is a good tool to track your baby’s hearing and communicative development.

• Does not enjoy noise-making toys
• Does not react to noise, voices, or music
• Does not respond to sudden loud sounds
• Does not try to imitate sounds
• Does not babble to themselves or others

Can loud noises be harmful to babies?

Yes, loud noises can be incredibly harmful to babies and may even result in hearing loss. It is also important to note exposure time as this can also be a factor in damaging your baby’s hearing. Household items such as vacuum cleaners, televisions, and noise-making toys are all risks to your child so ensure you limit your infant’s exposure to these devices or even place them in a different room.

Sources:

https://www.aussiedeafkids.org.au/signs-of-hearing-in-babies.html
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/trouble-hearing.html#catmovement
https://decibelpro.app/blog/safe-decibel-levels-for-babies/#What-Decibel-Level-Is-Safe-For-Babies
https://www.babycenter.com/health/conditions/hearing-loss-in-babies_10879
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/your-babys-hearing-and-communicative-development-checklist