Failed hearing screening and doesnt respond to noise

[purplepolo]

Had DD2 last week, she had her newborn hearing screening in hospital when she was 5 days old as I had her in the birth centre, in the pool, and labour was super speedy.

They couldnt pick up anything on two different tests they did at the hospital so am waiting for another appointment to do a different test ( but this takes up to 6 weeks to come through )

She also has 3 skin tags, and ive read that these increase the chances of deafness.

Ive been so upset and tbh ive cried alot since the test and ive noticed that she doesnt react to any noise, ive turned the hoover on close to her and she doesnt even flinch, doesnt turn if I talk to one side of her head. She sleeps so well and it weirdly is upsetting too because im just thinking its just because she cant hear. I just want her to react to something, my toddler is crazy and is loud so its not like we are in a silent household
Anyone else had similar? What was your outcome??

I feel like im going to make myself sick with worry waiting for this appointment

Congratulations on your baby . I'm sorry you have this uncertainty. The screening programme aims to identify the issues early so you and your little one get the best advice. In the meantime make sure you look after yourself and concentrate on forming a good bond and establishing feeding etc. I hope you get some good and prompt advice x

It’s only been a week since her birth and sometimes babies can be born very mucus filled and it can take a couple of weeks to clear. Her ears may well just be gunky, also failed hearing test does not necessarily mean completely deaf, she may just be impaired. I say that at someone who is hearing impaired and there is lots of things they can do to help these days.

Please try not to worry and think the worst.

Give the national deaf children's society a call. They will be able to explain what the test involve and what the results might mean.
www.ndcs.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/

One of my daughters failed the newborn screening and had further tests which turned out fine. They said it was congested fluid/mucous blocking her ears.

Hopefully you'll get some good news or at least more information at these next tests

umbrella has beaten me to it. The National Deaf Children’s Society would be a great place to go for help here.

Please try not to worry, it could be something as simple as very mucus filled ear canals that will take a while to clear. My DS failed on one ear in hospital. Tested a few days later and it passed.

Is the other test you're waiting on an ABR? They test the brainwave response to auditory stimulation and it's very accurate. I understand the wait is horrible, I've been the clinician on the other side. Don't assume the worst before all the tests are completed, and if the outcome is that your daughter has as degree of hearing impairment there are many options to help! I appreciate it's a worrying time when you have such a tiny baby but until your appointment just try and bond with your precious baby and enjoy the newborn snuggles

Very fast births can leave babies full of mucous, which can affect the hearing test. I had a very quick labour and the nurse who did the hearing test took great pains to warn me that it might be an issue with dd. Also newborns dont always respond to noise the way we expect. My dd doesn't flinch when our very loud dog barks for example. Try not to worry too much until you know for sure there is a problem, easier said than done I know.

Both my kids failed their newborn hearing tests. Both were ultimately fine when tested properly. I know it must be terrifying, but try not to worry.

One of mine didn't react to noise in the house, the dog could stand next to her and bark and she didn't flinch- there was no hearing test then at birth so I mentioned it to the midwife who was calling, she said about mucous and that some babies don't care about noise ... her hearing was fine

My daughter failed the hearing test at the hospital twice and it took 3 trips to audiology before she did. It was mucus causing the issue.

NDCS. Call them. They are wonderful.
(Mum to hearing impaired DS here - profoundly deaf in one ear.)

My first failed both hearing screens and we had to go back fir outpatient appointment. My anxiety was massive but it was all fine. It's really common to have fluid in the ear at birth. Try not to worry.

Do you think she can hear? Startled to loud noises etc?

Thanks all for your advice and kind words.

She had 2 different tests at the hospital, one where they just put the little earphone little things in one ear at a time, and then the lady tried another where she put a sticky pad on the back of her neck, shoulder and forehead, and then plastic cups over her ears. Both failed :(

She doesnt move or startle to anything, which is another factor as to why im worrying, i just want her to hear me talking to her or soothing her. I could have to shout to my toddler and she wouldnt even flinch.

Does anyone know if its possible to go private for newborn testing, i dont think i can wait 6 weeks to know whats going on.

It is lovely to know what others on here are either hearing impaired themselves or have children who are and are doing fine x

Even if she can’t hear you, she will know you’re there.

Although she doesn’t have a diagnosis, it might be worth reading the following link. It has some good tips about communication which are useful whether she turns out to have a hearing impairment or not.

www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/first-diagnosis/my-baby-has-a-hearing-loss/

I know a lot of profoundly deaf children and adults who are happy and successful. Yes, there are additional challenges but it doesn’t have to limit them.

Does anyone know if its possible to go private for newborn testing, i dont think i can wait 6 weeks to know whats going on

Not as far as I know, all the commercial private places that test hearing on the high street are over 18 only and don't have the specialist equipment needed for testing and diagnosing babies.

There are so many things that could be causing her to fail the tests at this stage, and it's hard not knowing. I just wanted to say that even if it does turn out she has a problem, there is so much that can be done to help her. We have genetic deafness in our family and several of my close relatives are profoundly deaf. It takes extra work, but please be assured your daughter can still reach her potential if it does turn out she is deaf.

I wouldn't expect a baby to startle to your voice, it's more sudden noises such as doors slamming, clapping, my DD would do it to me sneezing, her eyes would widen.

You might see the moron reflex but it could also be her pausing when feeding or blinking, opening eyes to noise etc.