Failed hearing test

precious72381 · January 2014

My baby had the hearing test done at the hospital and passed in the left ear but failed in the right. She was pretty fussy and sucking on a pacifier. The next day, the test was repeated after a good feeding session. She still had the pacifier but was very calm. She failed in both ears. She has an appointment in early February to repeat the test. I was told often times they fail due to fluid in the ears or even vernix. I called an audiologist the pedritician recommended (I'm anxious and worried) and was told he wouldn't see her until she was 30 days old and it could take up to two weeks for the fluid to clear out so just stick with the scheduled appointment. If she was to fail again, they would send us to an audiologist. I'm trying not to freak out but I notice she doesn't even flinch if the dog barks or phone rings or any kind of loud noise. It just scares me more.

Of course, I'm not asking for medical advice and I know what is going on with my baby has nothing to do with others experiences. But guess I'm just looking to hear about others experience, good or bad. Curious to see if others here had a failing test and later on passed or did something else in the meantime. I might call an ENT Monday to see if they can look into her ears and see fluid. Anything to calm my nerves!

Thanks!

MrsGraham06 · January 2014

DS2 failed the hearing test when he was born, but passed it at his 2 week appointment.

I'm not sure what they did with DH, but he didn't really learn why he had trouble hearing in his left ear until he was trying to join the Army. The bones in his ears didn't form properly at birth, so they don't vibrate (which is what gives you sound). He got surgery to partially repair it when he was 18. Anyway, DH doesn't have a hearing aid or anything, he just lives his life. He can't use the cell phone with his left ear, and he can't hear whispers, but other than that he hasn't changed anything. People don't know he is sort of hard of hearing unless he tells them.

Not sure how much that will calm your nerves, but there's 2 stories I have. Good luck!

MamaP19 · January 2014

If all they did was OAEs, I wouldn't worry too much. It is very easy for a newborn to fail a screening because of fluid, noise, or even small movements during the test. Definitely go for the follow-up but try not to worry too much. It's very unlikely your LO will fail another assessment. Hugs mama!

ac1259 · January 2014

A friend of mine had a son who they thought was deaf in both ears..they wound up having to do a special test requiring him to be put under anesthesia and found he only had limited hearing in one ear and I believe they were able to correct that with tubes..its really hard to test infants that can't really tell you if they hear or not! I hope everything goes well with your follow ups and you get good news!

susieandmarty · January 2014

I don't really gave advice about the test. Dd needed tubes before 1 but that us different. That said, she did not flinch for loud noises when she was new born. I remember noticing because there was a scene in me Hollands opus about loud noises and being nervous my daughter did not react. I just think that babies are easier going then we think.

susieandmarty · January 2014

I don't really have advice about the test. Dd needed tubes before 1 but that is different. That said, she did not flinch for loud noises when she was new born. I remember noticing because there was a scene in me Hollands opus about loud noises and being nervous my daughter did not react. I just think that babies are easier going then we think. She absolutely reacts now but I remember bring nervous when she was younger.

MJOJwedding · January 2014

No advice or stories. But I'll be praying for your little one!!

[Deleted User] · January 2014

My DS was born premature and failed the first month hearing test. Two weeks later, he passed the test. It is possible that your child's ears/hearing are still developing and will pass in two weeks. I would stay positive and wait for further testing. Good luck mama!

km_md · January 2014

I have no experience, just wanted to give you some ((hugs)) I'm sorry that you're going through this with your baby and I hope that she passes the next test.

kschref · January 2014

I wouldn't worry too much. DS failed the hearing test in the left ear the first time. I could tell it was fluid because that side of his face was slightly puffy around the eye and cheek. We had to put the test off for several days because he became jaundiced and they won't repeat the test while the baby is on bill lights. So 5 days later we repeated the test and he passed with flying colors. Our pedi told us that his own son failed the test twice and didn't pass until the retest at 2 weeks. I know it's hard, but I wouldn't stress too much. It is extremely common to fail at first.

Jmattis · January 2014

Don't have any advice to share, but wanted to say you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you and baby xo

precious72381 · January 2014

Thanks to everyone that responded. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts! I know anything can happen but it is nice to hear stories of this happening often. It is also reassuring to hear stories of loss and to know it wasn't complete loss of hearing and life is still good

I appreciate everyone's time!!!
Signed,
Worried FTM
Ps but I will try not to worry too much as this is common. She is a beautiful baby no matter what!!!

LabPupLuv · January 2014

No experience but I wanted to send a big internet hug. I'm so sorry your baby is going through this and I hope it is just fluid or something and that her hearing is fine. You'll be in my thoughts.

megs12914 · January 2014

Noah passed his test but only some loud noises startle him. When the dogs bark, he does nothing but they did that while I was pregnant so that may be what it is. Maybe your LO is just used to some of these loud noises in your house. Good luck!

CopperT0p · January 2014

No personal stories, but my midwife doesn't recommend doing the test until the 2 week appointment. She said fluid can be in the ears until that point, so she doesn't like to worry parents by testing prior to 2 weeks unless parents really want it.

DS2 will have his test done on Monday when he is exactly 2 weeks.

4lilmunchkins · January 2014

My LO failed the hearing test in both ears in the hospital. We have an appt. with an audiologist next week. I was a bit worried at first as I vacuumed, the dog barked, the door slammed, etc. and LO was snoozing away. Now at 12 days old she has flinched or moved her eyes/head towards the sounds mentioned a few times. I'm still worried and will continue to be until we get the results from her assessment. Good luck and keep us posted!

Kbrittonhart · January 2014

DD2 failed in the hospital then passed two weeks later at the audiologist. She still doesn't flinch or react to noise though so DH doesn't trust the test

precious72381 · January 2014

4lilmunchkins said:
My LO failed the hearing test in both ears in the hospital. We have an appt. with an audiologist next week. I was a bit worried at first as I vacuumed, the dog barked, the door slammed, etc. and LO was snoozing away. Now at 12 days old she has flinched or moved her eyes/head towards the sounds mentioned a few times. I'm still worried and will continue to be until we get the results from her assessment. Good luck and keep us posted!

Good luck to you too! Happy to hear you now see some improvement. Makes sense, if there is fluid in her ears now, she probably doesn't hear the loud sounds. Thanks!

precious72381 · January 2014

CopperT0p said:
No personal stories, but my midwife doesn't recommend doing the test until the 2 week appointment. She said fluid can be in the ears until that point, so she doesn't like to worry parents by testing prior to 2 weeks unless parents really want it.

DS2 will have his test done on Monday when he is exactly 2 weeks.

Wish my hospital had the same policy. I hate to just be worried for these two weeks for (hopefully) nothing.

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