Worried I've damaged DD's hearing

[Santatizer]

I have really stupidly played white noise at my phone's loudest volume near to my baby's head, quite a lot of times. She is 6 weeks old and was born at 35 weeks. It didn't cross my mind that this could damage her hearing - I feel so stupid and guilty and sick with worry that I might have damaged her hearing. I just thought it wouldn't be any louder than in the womb and it soothed her so well. I feel so terrible. Can I request a second hearing screen? Please don't tell me how stupid I've been as I already feel absolutely terrible.

This is the 2nd post I’ve seen like this today.

Oh. Sorry. I haven't searched first.

I haven't posted before about this.

Only your GP or health visitor can tell you wether you can request a second screening. I’d go to your health visitor first as they are usually well connected on stuff like this. And to be honest maybe they can give you some other help with parenting tips as this is clearly a strange thing to do, assuming your phone is as loud as any other phone.

I know I have been stupid - I really didn't think it could damage her hearing. I'm not a terrible parent generally and already feel absolutely stupid and awful.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/parenting/4278469-Have-we-damaged-our-newborn-s-hearing

Thanks for linking that thread @PotteringAlong it was really helpful to read.

I don't have any advice to add but just want to send you a hug really! You sound really worried, and sleep deprivation can make you feel like you want to do ANYTHING to help your baby to nap! I accidentally clipped my baby son's bare leg the other day when strapping him into a chair and I felt terrible.

I hope you are able to get some reassurance from your health visitor. 🤞🏼

If it's any consolation, incubators are noisy places!

Did she pass or fail the first screening?

She passed the first screening. Thanks so much to those being kind and reassuring. It helps! I have messaged my HV and hopefully she will reply tomorrow... She definitely startled at a loud noise earlier.

If she passed the test then her hearing is fine so I don't understand why you are still worrying.

Remember the sound waves would be lessened by amniotic fluid and wouldn't be as loud

@dementedpixie I have played the white noise since she was born not before.

Ah right
How loud is loud and how close is close?
What about when you hold it near your head - how loud is it?

But she's passed the hearing screening 🤷‍♀️.

My mum used to put my in my bouncy chair and switch on the hoover beside me. Sent me to sleep every time. My hearing is fine.

I think OP has been playing the white noise after the screening and that's why she's looking for a 2nd test.

Although it's maybe only an issue if you were using headphones and the noise was played directly into her ears

@Lj8893

This is the 2nd post I’ve seen like this today.

This was the first thing you thought to respond with??

Thank you v much to those who have taken the time to reply with kindness and compassion. I appreciate it v much.

@dementedpixie yes that is right. I am so worried.

@dementedpixie sorry, I mean the first part of your post is right! I definitely haven't been playing anything through headphones into her ears.

Hi what was the outcome? Did you get a 2nd hearing screen or any input from HV?
I have been using a portable white noise machine that you can hang on crib since he was born and worried this could have damaged his hearing. It has never been on the loudest setting and tested the decibels and is average of around 50-55db but as its been close to him I'm now concerned!

Hi - if it's any reassurance, DD's hearing appears to be absolutely fine and we have no concerns. I remember we did speak to the HV about it but I can't remember what the outcome was. I don't remember seeing anyone further about it and she hears absolutely fine.