Speech and language grow on a foundation of hearing. When a child's speech is delayed, a hearing test is always the first step.
Typical milestones
- 0–3 months: startles at loud sounds, calms to familiar voices.
- 4–6 months: turns toward sounds, laughs, babbles ("ba", "ma").
- 7–12 months: responds to name, understands "no", says first words by ~12 months.
- 1–2 years: points to objects when named, 50+ words by 2 years, starts two-word phrases.
- 2–3 years: follows two-step instructions, speech understood by family.
- 3–4 years: sentences of 4+ words, speech mostly understood by strangers.
Red flags
No babbling by 9 months, no words by 16 months, no two-word phrases by 24 months, loss of previously acquired speech, or not responding to name — each warrants professional evaluation.
What to do
Don't wait and watch. Book a hearing screening first, then a speech-language assessment. Early intervention in the first 3 years takes advantage of the brain's fastest period of language development.
Medical note: This article is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. For personal guidance, book a free screening or consult a qualified audiologist.