Newborn hearing loss

[Anon3708]

my daughter (3 weeks) initially failed the newborn hearing test in the right ear so we were booked to have it done again. I know this is common as we had it with my first and all was fine at next one so thought nothing of it.
Then at the second one they couldn’t get a clear reading with the earphone ones (don’t know the medical terms sorry) so put sensors on her head and neck and did it that way. This time she passed the right ear and failed the left one so we were referred to audiology.
At the audiology appointment they said there is mild hearing loss in both ears but tested the cochlear and that was ok so we just have to go back again at 8 months.
Has anyone else had this experience and if so what was the outcome? I wasn’t worried as she had passed both ears at different times but now also wondering if it is something genetic could it be affecting my toddler too as he passed the initial newborn hearing test but so did my newborn at the initial ones if that makes sense

With regards to genetics, what's your toddlers hearing like now?

@MDDR I haven’t had any concerns upto now however his favourite word is ‘what’ and I just assumed he says it out of habit in the same way kids say why to everything but now I’m questioning it. His speech and language as well as understanding is very good for his age so I’m not too concerned at this point

We had similar experience, at 4months old we realised baby could still not hear us, there was no startle reflex etc. saw four different drs, gps, A&E consultants etc. waited another 2months for audiology appt, took ages to pass that test. The night before the test the dog sneezed behind baby and baby suddenly startled. We never did get a reason for it, maybe fluid that moved.

hope you get followed up soon and some answers to make plans going forward if needed x

Not had that no and I hope it does clear for you.

Just wanted to add that you can join the NDCS whilst you wait. It’s free and they’re usually very helpful.

Congratulations on your new LO

You also need the hospital to test for congenital CMV - it's the leading cause of acquired deafness and hearing loss in babies. Can be tested for via the newborn heel prick card or a saliva test for the virus.

It may start you on a pathway of care that you initially find alarming and the tests are to rule out other conditions in which deafness can be a factor. If you end that pathway with a child with full or partial hearing loss, a warm and welcoming community awaits you who'll often have answers to a part of life you know little of. You'll have someone small who'll sing out of tune and often the wrong lyrics, sometimes they only hear what they want to, but they'll know when a bag of crisps is being opened in a different room. They'll find joy in every stick you find on a walk, make friends, choose what colours of hearing aids they want, dance play sport, and tell you they didnt hear you say to tidy their room. Expose them to experiences, support them with lots of language and reading and dont worry until you need to about communication skills.

Enjoy those newborn cuddles.

Audiologist here OP. If you were told both cochlea are ok what you are potentially looking at is a mild conductive hearing loss. Did the audiologist complete a tympanogram or middle ear check? Did they talk about possible middle ear congestion or a flat line on the reading? If your baby's underlying hearing is ok ie both cochlea working well, they do not need to be checked for cCMV.

Has a referral to ENT been completed?

Edited to add, where I'm from the ABR (the last test your baby had done) would be repeated in 4 weeks before being put on the waiting list for 8 month check. 2as this offered?

@Cafog yes they said both cochlea are okay but the test is going to be sent for peer review since there was a lot of background noise due to her being congested and not very settled. The lady said that if we don’t hear anything back about that then to assume it was okay and we will get an appointment when baby is 8 months. She didn’t mention any other appointments or referrals? Baby is congested and it was suggested that it may be the reason for failing the test as she said it was only the quietest sound she couldn’t get a reading for.
we haven’t had a letter through yet so it may be that we do have another appointment but the lady said we wouldn’t need to be seen again until 8 months

Thats all reassuring OP. I hope they took they took the time to explain that that means it is a conductive hearing loss and the vast majority of the time this is not permanent.

Reassuring that the traces are being peer reviewed as well.

Try not to worry too much (easier said than done I know), if hearing aids were not indicated the loss is likely very mild and as I said likely temporary. As another PP said access the NDCS website for more information and support x