Failing hearing test?

AlejandraN2

When Zoe was born, we had a hearing test done at the NICU and she passed with flying colors. At her 6 month NICU follow up they suggested talking to her pediatrician about doing a follow up hearing test as part of standard practices. So we had one done at her 7 mth appt last week. Well she failed both ears. I'm pretty sure she can hear since she turns to our voices and startles with noise and if she hadn't "failed" i wouldn't know anything is wrong. But since then I've found myself trying to "test" her by startling her or calling her name to see if she'll turn to the direction and she doesn't always (and she could just be distracted). Doctor said failing is pretty common and often may mean there's extra fluid or wax in the canal. She said some kids fail it up to age 2-3 till you can actually ask them if they can hear the noises. But now I'm paranoid. We're followed by an ENT so I'll ask him about it at her appt on Friday, but does anyone here have experience with this? Failing a test but still being perfectly fine in hearing? 

UpsideDownFrown

My little guy didn't fail but he doesn't always turn when we talk or call him. I wouldn't feel too bad about it. If she startles and turns sometimes I'm sure she is fine

Bamgal25

I know of a 5 year old failing the basic hearing screening, but when she took a more in depth one at ENT, she passed. Her doctor said lots of kids "fail" the basic screening.

Salemkitty13

DS failed his newborn screen. At 3 month he barely passed. At his 6 month ENT visit he passed one test but not the other. Test showed that his ears were full of fluid. We went back yesterday same thing so we are scheduled for tubes next Friday. The ENT thinks his hearing is normal. We never had a screening at the pedi office so I don't know how that compares. I'm glad you have an ENT appointment soon. Since she turns to follow sounds I wouldn't worry too much. (DS didn't at one point and had hard wax in his ear when they got it out he started this was 3 mth appt.) Does she babble? DS does not.

michelle7482

I'm taking my two year old to an audiologist tomorrow because she has a speaking delay. At two years old she is doing much better, but it 18 months she only had six or seven words so we have her in early intervention and they suggested getting her hearing checked. It's not that kids can't hear, from what I read they might have a hard time deciphering low sounds, high Sounds etc. I know my two-year-olds can hear, because we have conversations and she can follow directions perfectly. But part of her language delay could be something is just not right with her ears so that's what we are getting checked out. I know it's different from a seven-month-old, but this was my experience so I thought I would share

AlejandraN2

Thanks ladies, this is reassuring to know that it's common and may mean nothing. 

@SalemKitty13 - she shrieks and coos and aahs but no bababa or gagaga or mamama yet. Another thing I'm worried about naturally Glad to know I'm not alone. 

@michelle7482 this is interesting thank you. I didn't know what "failing" really meant and they didn't explain it well. Good luck at the audiologist check up. 

krose0713

On the opposite end, my brother is significantly hearing impaired (has a cochlear implant) and never responded to loud noises or his name as a baby. So I would think if your LO is doing it even sometimes it's probably a good sign.