By which month does the auditory nerve function mature in infants?

The maturation of the auditory nerve in infants is a critical aspect of their early development. By around five months of age, the auditory nerve has typically reached a functional maturity that allows infants to respond more effectively to auditory stimuli. This is an important developmental milestone, as it correlates with the ability to hear and process sounds more clearly, which is crucial for language development and social interaction.

At earlier ages, although some auditory processing is taking place, it is not yet fully developed, which is why options indicating three or four months are less accurate. By six months, most infants show a fully developed response to sounds and can localize them better, but the key milestone for the maturation of the auditory nerve occurs at around five months. This period is essential as it signifies a transition to more sophisticated auditory processing capabilities, setting the stage for further cognitive development.