Possible deafness in newborn

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Hi all,

3 week old DS was born 40+6 via normal birth (water) and no probs during pregnancy.

He failed the midwife led hearing test at home and was referred to neonatal for further tests.

Further tests showed that he failed the more detailed high frequency test so it looks like he might have some hearing difficulties.

It's really early days but I'm just so upset for him. I'm sat here crying as I type.

Has anyone been through this? What was the outcome? Just looking for support really.

Does anyone have any experiences they can share?

My dd failed the newborn hearing test and also further tests done by a consultant specialised in audiology. I was devastated (like you) and convinced she was deaf.
5 years down the line, my dd appears to have normal hearing. It actually all improved vastly when she got ear tubes (she was 2 years old). This was done because she did not speak at all. She is susceptible to ear infections, which is annoying, and I simply assume that she had water in her ears since birth. But she is not deaf at all.

Sorry you are going through this, I have no experience of hearing problems in a newborn as my son's problems were caused by glue ear complications as a toddler.
Do you have any idea when appointment might be?

It's nice to hear a positive story! I just really hope that everything sorts itself out.

Apparently audiology is quite a complex subject and we will be going back for lots more tests. They need to basically gather loads of info before referral to ENT.

Next appointment is Tuesday. Fingers crossed for good news!

Hi OP

I thought you might find it reassuring to hear from someone who had those same issues in childhood. I have profound high frequency hearing loss. Yes, it makes life challenging but I've been able to get two degrees from one of the UK's top universities. I now work in a senior management role for the Big 4, earning a very good salary. I'm married with 3 children and have a great circle of friends. If your son does have hearing loss, please trust me when I say it's not the end of the world. With the right support he will be absolutely fine, he'll learn how to make the most of the hearing he does have and he'll drive you mad by pretending not to hear you so he doesn't have to do his chores/homework/turn off the tv

Happy to chat any time if you'd find it helpful. I know you're worried about your son - he's very lucky to have a mum like you looking out for him.

Another one seeking to reassure. DS1 was born hearing (we think), began to loose at 2 and got hearing aids, mainstream primary did well but lost
More
Hearing, in first year at secondary lost most f remaining hearing and got cochlear implants.
Tomorrow he will sit his last gcse, he is hoping to get high grades and go on to study foreign languages at a level. Won't deny hospital appointments can be trying and he has had a number of surgeries over the years but his hearing has never stopped him doing anything he wants to do. For support I can recommend the NDCS and depending on where the future takes you CICS (both national charities with local branches and excellent helplines.

Thank you for your messages of support.

I've had experience in this subject as my own brother has high frequency hearing loss (prem birth and unregulated oxygen).

It's such a worrying time, especially as we do not know the extent of the problem. I think that's the worst bit.

I look at him and hope he doesn't struggle like my brother did.

At least he's a loved little boy and will have all the support he needs.

There's some videos on YouTube - by a lady called Lucy (her channel is called LucyAndTheBump) where she explains her sons deafness and how he failed both newborn tests. Maybe worth having a look x

Thanks Music, will do.

It'll probs make me cry though.

Hello I'm a teacher of the deaf and work with lots of children and families who have been in a similar situation. You should get allocated a teacher of the deaf who will come and see you but I'm really happy to chat if you want to pm. It's quite possible at this stage that your baby will still have some hearing and be able to use hearing aids. It's quite rare to have profound hearing loss and need implants but if it does come to that they are truly amazing.

Hi OP. My DD failed all the newborn hearing tests and was diagnosed with moderate bilateral hearing impairment. She wears hearing aids for school but doesn't bother at home. She has some speech and language difficulties but never been proven whether these are related to her hearing or cognitive impairment. Don't worry - get to see a consultant audiologist and take it from there. Hearing aids are pretty good nowadays. DD also gets support from a specialist teacher from the LEA for the hearing impaired but copes fine in mainstream school.

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

People get by quite nicely with hearing aids these days. I suppose that I'm clouded by my brothers experience growing up (this was in the 1970s mind you!)

We have his 2nd appointment tomorrow so we'll see how it goes.

I can't help but worry!

Hearing aids these days are amazing. I mentioned above that I have profound hearing loss but I don't have an implant, I have aids. Whereabouts in the country are you? Which hospital will your son be assessed at?

We are currently at Salisbury hospital.

It's early days but I have a feeling that he will need hearing aids.

My brother has hearing loss from birth. They put it down to him being premature but we are thinking that it disguised the real reason (the cause being genetic), passed through me to my DS.

I'll let you know how we get on today

Hi, just returned from hospital with a more positive outlook.

Last week he had zero response from both ears, this week he has mild hearing loss in his right ear.

He can hear 40 decibels which is equivalent to a whisper.

There is still no hearing in his left ear.

Apparently he can get along fine with hearing in one ear and might not even need a hearing aid.

Who knows what might happen in 2 weeks considering the improvements he has made in 5 days.

We have loads more tests to go yet, It's going to be a long road for us to travel until we know the full extent/get a diagnosis.

One big piece of advice: if they do offer you hearing aids take them and put them on your baby every waking hour.