15 week old not responding to sounds

Amanda - posted on 12/16/2010

Thanks for the input. As I said we are concerned about autism even though I know there is little that can be done at this point. Our little guy really only responds to us when we are in his line of sight otherwise, he does not turn to find my voice. I spent all day trying to get him to do it. That being said, he seems very distracted by everything around him, so perhaps he is just a very curious little dude. I know that we should try to enjoy him as much as possible because he is little for such a short period of time, it is just difficult when he seems so disinterested in us. I have found bonding with him so difficult.

Renae - posted on 12/16/2010

Have you noticed that he responds to general sounds? For example, does he notice more of what is going on around him than he did at say 4 weeks old. If you can think back and compare his behaviour, you may find that he is responding to things like sudden bangs, phone ringing, dog barking, pots and pans clanging in the kitchen etc.

Your book is correct that most babies search for sound at around 3 months old, but it is not considered a developmental delay unless they do not respond to a bell ringing in their hear and look at it at 6 months old. This is why your ped is telling you to wait and see. Also because there is not much she can do anyway at this age, so in her mind there is no point in worrying about it. Be reassured by the fact that the hearing test is normal and try not to worry. You can have a more thorough hearing test at 12 months old if you are still concerned.

In regards to your comment about autism, try not to think about it for the first two years. Austism can not be diagnosed until around 5 years of age and signs do not appear until around 3 years old. For the first 2 years there are many behaviours that could be autism, could be any range of things, or could be perfectly normal. As the normal range of behaviour in infants and toddlers is so huge, it is difficult to pinpoint what is causing any particular behaviour. I hope all of that made sense :)

Amanda - posted on 12/15/2010

Thanks Dr. is aware of our concerns and all we can do is wait (which I hate and it is making me go insane) until he is older. His hearing tests were both fine and he passed both.

Morgan - posted on 12/15/2010

we had the same worries with our daugther when she was about 13 weeks, we were in the parking lot at superstore when an ambulance passed only feet away from us with its sirens blasting it hurt my ears but my daughter dident even flinch!!! I had her ears tested and they said she was fine, but because she was delivered with forceps she might have a bit of damage but it would fix itself.... shes 11 months now and can hear very very well :)

Kandy - posted on 12/15/2010

At that age my son only responded to voices. Just remember that they do have a hearing test when before they leave the hospital. If you are truly concerned then call and talk to your pediatrician. If they are concerned then they are able to run additional hearing tests. Good luck!

Medic - posted on 12/14/2010

I have not read the other responses but my now almost 11 month old has never responded to rattles or anything like that...she is very laid back and really only interacts on her terms. She can ignore anything. I know wait and see sucks but its really all you can do.

Sarh - posted on 12/14/2010

My son didn't turn for noises from toys. He rarely startled from loud noises, but we never have our house quiet so that he doesn't become a light sleeper. He is now 6 months old and does fine. If he hears daddy or I come back in the room, but his back was to us he does turn when he hears us.
Is your bubby making eye contact? Playing w/his toys? If he is, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Elfrieda - posted on 12/14/2010

It's hard not to worry when you become a mom, but your little guy sounds to me like he's doing fine. He's just barely 3 months, why bother yourself about it? If they say 3 months, that means some babies will do it before, and some will get there later.

Amanda - posted on 12/14/2010

He does repond to loud sounds and startles when we sneeze or when the dog barks.

Elfrieda - posted on 12/14/2010

Maybe he just doesn't care for the rattle. :) Do babies that young have the ability to know where noise is coming from, anyway?
Does he startle to loud noises, like the vacuum cleaner, doorbell, or egg beater? If he doesn't, then either he's just really relaxed or maybe you are right to be concerned.
I wish you all the best.