should I have his hearing checked??

Heather - posted on 12/21/2010

He does seem to know his name, but he doesn't seem to know that mama and dada are names. We ask him who mama is and he just keeps doing whatever he was doing...he doesn't seem to know that I am "mama" He does know when it's time to go but he will run away from me when I tell him it's time to put his shoes on. lol But he brings books to me when I ask him to and when i tell him it's bath time, he walks into the bathroom. I wasn't concerned at all about his hearing, until my mom asked me if I was. So my mom kinda put the idea in my head. Now that I think about it though, his uncle (3 1/2 years old) had to have tubes in his ears, so maybe I should think about that, and talk to his pediatrician. He is going in at the end of the month for his 15 month check up and shots. So I will talk to his doc and see what he has to say. Thanks everyone

Kimberly - posted on 12/20/2010

My daughter didn't start talking until 18 months, now we can't get her to stop! lol! Just give him a bit more time. The real question is, does he understand simple commands or questions like, "Its time to put your socks and shoes on, can you bring me your shoes?" or if he can recognize who mommy and daddy are by looking at you or pointing. Or, does he look more alert if he hears his name, that sort of thing.....

If you're still unsure about his hearing by his 18 month check up, you should have him tested.

Alecia - posted on 12/20/2010

as long as he can babble and understand some of the things u say then i dnt think u have anything to worry about. my daughter (15 mnths old) doesnt say 'hi' or bye' but is able to say 'momma', daddy, hot and bite...those are all the words she says and im about the only one who understands her!!! and she doesnt say em often and if u ask her to say em she shakes her head no! lol, but she can point to what she wants. ive also taught her signs and they are such a BIG help! she tells me when she wants to play, eat, drink by signing. she also knows baby, elephant and snow. so like i said, as long as he babbles like he thinks hes talking and if he can commincate by pointing i wouldnt be too concerned...especially if ur doctor isnt

Amanda - posted on 12/20/2010

Every child is different so it really doesn't matter who's child is talking more or less and how much age gap there is between them and your child. They all progress at their own rate. My oldest wasn't talking by 18mnths and would just point at what he wanted and would scream or yell...I took him to the area hearing agencey for a hearing screen and at this age it's hard to diagnose since they can't really raise their hands when they hear a beep, but we did find out through his pediatrician that his ears were red and full of fluid so we put him on an antibiotic when that was gone I took him back and he ended up needing tubes...I was relieved a few weeks after the tubes were placed because he started jabbering away! Maybe take him to your pediatrician first if you are really concerned...otherwise give him a few months and really get down to his level and make sure he can watch the shape of your mouth so he can imitate...and be very clear and articulate...that's what the hearing people told me...now my son has had 2 sets of tubes and he's going to be 7 this Friday...they have really made the difference!

Amber - posted on 12/20/2010

I would. If nothing else it will make you feel better. Both my children had hearing loss from fluid in their ears. My son had tubes put in and his speech just exploded! My daughter is also 15 months and we were just at her Ear nose and throat doctor to have her tonsils checked and that when they discovered the fluid and hearing loss. She is 30% delayed in speech so we are hoping the tubes will help her as well. Good luck!

Jennifer - posted on 12/20/2010

well the first thing i have to say is to try not to compare your child to other children too much, my daughter has a cousin that is 2 weeks older and they have not even been close on development levels... my daughter was quiet at that age too she didn't talk too much. she is 2 now she talks just fine. If your worried about it, it doesn't hurt to bring it up to the doctor at his next visit, but i wouldn't let it bother you too much.