0-3 months

• Startles, cries or wakens to loud sounds
• Moves head, eyes, arms and legs in response to a noise or voice
• Smiles when spoken to, or calms down; appears to listen to sounds and talking 

4-6 months

• Responds to changes in your voice tone
• Looks around to determine where new sounds are coming from; responds to music

7-12 months

• Turns or looks up when her/his name is called
• Responds to the word “no”; listens when spoken to
• Knows common words like “cup”, “shoe”, “mom”
• Responds to requests such as “want more”, “come here”

12 months-2 years

• Turns toward you when you call their name from behind
• Follows simple commands
• Tries to 'talk' by pointing, reaching and making noises
• Knows sounds like a closing door and a ringing phone

2-3 years

• Listens to a simple story
• Follows two requests (e.g. "get the ball and put it on the table")

3-4 years

• Hears you when you call from another room
• Listens to the television at the same loudness as the rest of the family
• Answers simple questions 

4-5 years

• Pays attention to a story and answers simple questions
• Hears and understands most of what is said at home and school
• Family, teachers, babysitters, and others think he or she hears fine