What developmental characteristic of hearing appears for the first time between the ages of 24 to 32 weeks in infants?

The developmental characteristic of hearing that first appears between the ages of 24 to 32 weeks in infants is the ability to locate sounds by turning the head to the side, then looking up or down. This behavior demonstrates the advancing auditory skills associated with this stage of development.

During this period, infants are developing more sophisticated auditory processing abilities and are beginning to refine their auditory localization skills. They become increasingly aware of their environment and can respond to sounds by not only turning their head but also adjusting their gaze, indicating a more complex integration of auditory and visual information.

This ability is crucial as it aids in the development of communication skills, social interaction, and cognitive functions. The turning of the head to sound is an early form of engagement with their surroundings, which fosters learning and exploration. As infants grow, these skills become more precise, allowing for more refined movements towards sounds.

The other options represent characteristics that develop either earlier or later than the specified age range, illustrating different levels of auditory development.