Hearing test - 3 month old

[strawberry2017]

We are concerned about our 3 month olds hearing. He doesn’t turn his head to noises, rarely reacts to loud noises and doesn’t respond to his name.
He failed his first hearing test in hospital but passed the second.
We have an Audiology appointment booked next week to be assessed.
Does anyone have any experience of what will happen at this appointment? I’ve been told to take him tired and hungry as the tests rely on him been asleep.
Will I find out if he has a hearing problem at this appointment?
Does anyone have a positive outcome from similar scenarios?
Any advice or guidance would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Hello. First of all, please try not to worry. My DS was tested around 3 months old. If your baby is having an ABR he will need to be asleep or very sleepy for the test to work. The audiologist will place lots of sticky pads on baby with wires coming out which are attached to a machine. It's looks odd but they will put you at ease, I'm sure. They play in various frequencies to test if they get a response back. I know of children who have had the test and passed. Can I please say that if you find that your baby is deaf, it is not the end of the world, trust me. The technology to aid hearing loss is awesome these days. If you have any more questions or nedd support, please let me know. It can be a very emotional time, I've been through it.

@Lovelise thank you so much for replying I really appreciate it.
Did you find out the results straight away? How long do the tests last?
When my husband and I discuss it we try to remain positive whatever the outcome.
I think what's most important for me is if he does have hearing problems then I want to get ahead of it now and know what we need to do to help and support him the best we can.
Can't say I won't fall apart at the time if they tell me, especially because I have to go alone to the appointment but I do feel that whatever the outcome I'll do everything I can to make sure he has the best of everything to help him.

What made you take your DC for the testing? Was it similar types of things? X

Please stay positive, it could be nothing. My DS failed the new born screening test right from day 1. The test is accurate, so if your baby stays asleep then they can get a good indication of whether there is an issue or not. I know exactly what you are going through, we cried our hearts out, it's such a period of uncertainty.

The test can last a few hours as the baby needs to be asleep, so there will be periods of when they are wriggling around and things. We went back a few times to repeat the test as they couldn't get a full picture at first. If they do find that your baby is deaf, you will receive so much support. It's a good thing that they find these things out early. My little boy had hearing aids from 3 months. He wears Cochlear Implants now and is a happy, cheeky little 3 year old!

Hi, I notice you are going to the test alone op - is there anyway your partner could come with you?

I have been through lots of tests with two of my children and on one occasion received a diagnosis. I have done lots on my own but this was an important one and my husband came with me but insisted on going back to work after. I have never forgiven him and we have a very good relationship! I just felt so depressed and alone.

You will get through but it will be hard. Take snacks and stuff to read is my advice. I do a lot of crochet during hospital appointments now as it is quiet and keeps me nice and relaxed!

@MrsBobDylan he could come with me as my parents would happily have our little girl but because of Covid they have asked that only one parent goes.
Thank you both so much for taking the time to reply, we haven't mentioned our concerns to anyone because I don't want to have to deal with questions I don't know the answers too. But it helps having people to ask questions too.
I'm just thankful they are seeing us so quickly.

@Strawberry17 I have been through it, so I know exactly how you are feeling. It's all so overwhelming. If you find that there is a hearing problem then you will be seen by all sorts of people really quickly. That's one of the things that surprised us, the speed of it all. Also, they might run some tests to try and find the cause of the hearing loss, but that might not even happen, because it may be nothing!
Please ask me anything and let us know how you get on.

@Lovelise the speed of the appointment amazed me, I mentioned our concerns to the health visitor and we had an appointment booked with in days for next Monday.
I thought with Covid that we would be waiting ages for them to play catch up.
I'm just hoping I can come away on Monday knowing something even if we have to go back to complete the tests, I feel like I'm constantly watching to see if he reacts to things.
Sometimes I think he does then that just confuses me more but more often then not he doesn't seem to react.
X

I felt the same, looking at everything and hoping. Good luck on Monday and please come back and let me know how you get on x

@Lovelise so the appointment was changed to 2pm and he passed the first test so they were happy with his hearing and didn't do any further testing.
Obviously I am over the moon that he can hear fine but why don't I feel reassured that everything's ok.
My husbands attitude is he's just a chilled baby and all is ok, and I really want to think that too but something doesn't feel right.
We are speaking to the health visitor tomorrow anyway so I'll speak to her but I have this feeling I'm just going to come across as a neurotic mother.
I'm so confused x

@strawberry17 That's great news! I'm really pleased for you. Take this opportunity to enjoy your time with him and try not to over think it. If I were you, I would keep an eye out for any changes but I'm sure it will be fine. Good luck x

Thank you, I think once I've talked it through with the HV tomorrow I'll feel even better. I'm over the moon his hearing is ok.
Thank you so much for your help and advice. I really appreciate it. X

@strawberry2017 how is ur little one doing now?

He's really well. Very laid back. There are still times he ignores us but it doesn't worry us the way it did.
Still isn't bothered by loud noises very often.
But hopefully developing well. Thank you for checking in on us. X