When can a fetus hear sounds in the womb?
When can a fetus hear sounds in the womb?
A fetus can start to hear sounds around the 24th week of pregnancy. However, the ears of a fetus start to develop around the 20th week. Here's some more information about a fetus's hearing development:
13–16 weeks: The fetus can start to hear sounds from the body, like the heartbeat and stomach rumbling.
15–27 weeks: The fetus can start to hear muted sounds from outside the body, like the voice and digestive system.
27–29 weeks: The fetus can hear some sounds from outside the body, like the voice.
Full term: The fetus can hear at a similar level to an adult.
The cochlea in the middle ear and the auditory cortex in the brain's temporal lobe are important for the development of the auditory system