Can Your Baby Hear You? How Their Hearing Develops

Reviewed by:

5 min read

Apr 16, 2025

When Can Your Baby Hear in the Womb?

One of the most fascinating part of your baby’s development is the ability to hear sounds from inside the womb. Your baby’s hearing doesn’t just develop overnight, it takes time however, there are different stages to it. These stages allow your baby to recognize and resond to different sounds at times.

The hearing structures in your baby’s ears begin forming during the second trimester and by the beginning of the second trimester tiny structures in the baby’s ears begin forming whereas by the third trimester, you baby can hear the outside world. This development plays a vital role in preparing them for life outside the womb so they are not startled by the loud sounds whe they are born.

When Can Your Baby Hear You?

Babies start detecting sounds around the 18th to 20th week of pregnancy, but their hearing is still in the early stages. It isn’t until the 24th to 25th week that they begin responding to noises, and by the 30th week, they can recognize their mother’s voice. As the weeks progress, their ability to differentiate between different sounds improves, and they may even react to music, loud noises, and other external stimuli.

Research suggests that babies can distinguish their mother’s voice from others, which is why newborns find comfort in their mother’s speech after birth. This early exposure to voices and sounds helps lay the foundation for language development.

Stages of Hearing Development in the Womb

Week 18: Inner Ear Development Begins

The inner ear starts developing the 18th week of pregnancy. The cochlea, which is the part of the ear responsible for processing sound, starts developing first however, the hearing ability is still minimal.

Even though sound waves can travel through the womb, the baby’s ears are not yet mature enough to understand. At this stage, the primary focus is on structural development, which eventually allows for proper hearing.

Weeks 24 - 25: Early Responses to Sound

Around weeks 24 to 25, the baby’s hearing becomes more functional. Their ears can pick up vibrations from external sounds and they may start responding to loud noises. Some mothers notice that their baby kicks or moves in reaction to sudden sounds. As the baby starts to recognize patterns in the sounds they hear, this stage marks the beginning of sound processing.

Week 28: Improved Sensitivity to Sound

By the 28th week, the baby’s hearing has improved significantly. The ear structures are now more developed and allow the baby to pick up a wider range of sounds. At this point, they can hear their mother’s heartbeat, breathing, and even digestive sounds. External noises, such as music or conversations become clearer and the baby may respond to them.

Week 30+: Recognizing Familiar Voices

From the 30th week onward, the baby’s auditory system is well-developed, allowing them to distinguish between different voices and sounds. They can recognize their mother’s voice and may even respond to their father’s or siblings’ voices.

Should You Avoid Loud Sounds?

Exposure to normal sounds is beneficial for the baby’s hearing development but, excessively loud noises should be avoided. Prolonged exposure to high-decibel sounds, such as concerts, heavy traffic, or construction noise, may cause discomfort to the baby.

To protect your baby’s developing ears, consider using noise-reducing strategies if you are frequently in a loud environment. Playing gentle music, speaking softly, and creating a calm atmosphere can help foster a positive auditory experience for your baby.

Conclusion

A baby’s ability to hear develops gradually. By the third trimester, babies can respond to external sounds, setting the stage for bonding and language learning after birth.

While everyday sounds contribute to healthy hearing development, it’s important to minimize exposure to excessive noise levels to protect your baby’s ears.

References