Stressful waiting for another hearing test

[katiegolightly]

Having got no responses from 2 tests (different tests, different days) at birth, we took our 3 week old (9 days early CS) DD for hearing tests yesterday. Results show no response below 60DB, however, she is sniffly off and on and is likely a bit congested with a cold (DP is very bunged with a cold). We must now wait 4 weeks for a retest which will determine if she has a partial hearing loss or if the test was just affected by her congestion.

Anyone been here? Feeling pretty much in limbo and stressed about how to stay sane for another month.

Also curious about when she should start to respond to me, she's looking all around when she's awake but I've not managed to get her to focus on me or hold my gaze for even a few seconds yet. Which is hard now I'm constantly looking for her responses to sound.

Want to be quietly optimistic but feeling a bit low.

TIA

The focussing sounds normal for her age. They gradually hold your gaze-I found when feeding was one of the best times, cuddle her close and just gaze at her face. The fact she's looking round indicates she can see stuff.

Ds started glue ear by 10 weeks, so it could be that.

Just spend time talking to her, even if she can't hear properly she should be able to hear the vibrations and it will encourage her to listen and respond.

Thanks DeWe, that's reassuring!

The good news is that one of the tests can be repeated in a week so hopefully we'll have good news at that one. The waiting game is always stressful for things like this...

Have you been on the National Deaf Children's Society website? There is a chat area called 'Parent Place' and you will find plenty of others who have been in the same position. My son is deaf but he was older when he was diagnosed so I don't have experience of newborn screening but am used to the waiting for tests. It is hard, but I have learnt that doing them too close together does not allow for change and causes more stress for the child.

Sorry for the delayed thanks, geogteach. Our DD does having a hearing loss after all and is now fitted with her hearing aids and is up and running. It's take a bit of time to deal with it all but all going well now! We never imagined one of our worst fears, our baby having a health issue, would actually become a reality but we're rolling with the punches and have had the most incredible support. I guess you just deal with what life throws at you and move on for the sake of your DD/DS.

(She had glue ear too but that's all gone.)

And now great eye contact and lots of smiles... happy days! NDCS has been a great resource for us, thanks :)

Good luck, Katie. I have a hearing loss (from birth tho' not discovered till I was a toddler) and wear hearing aids. Modern (digital) aids are hugely better than the ones around when I was a child, it's great you've found out so early and your dd will be getting so much benefit from hearing sounds straight away.

Glad you've got lots of support, and wishing you and your DD all the best, sounds like you are a great mum x

Katie I have 2 children with hearing loss, one diagnosed at birth. My daughter has a profound loss and wears 2 cochlear implants but she has above age appropriate language and is in a mainstream school. Please look at auditory verbal therapy if you want an oral approach.

Your teacher of the deaf should also give you something called the monitoring protocol to allow you to follow progress very closely