A big concern for us right now is possible hearing loss. Bug failed 2 newborn hearing screens, resulting in a referral to an audiologist. The wait was frustrating - there was a delay while the clinic arranged for coverage of a maternity leave - but the results of the appointment even more so. First I must say that the actual process of preparing for the test was a feat in itself - we were instructed to keep him awake and hungry in the hours before the test so that he would feed and sleep during the test. This involved Chris taking the afternoon off of work and performing all kinds of exciting tricks in the backseat to keep Bug from nodding off while I drove. Luckily, he wasn't too upset with us. Unfortunately he did wake up during testing and they were only able to test one ear - the one of concern. The verdict? Fluid in both ears, definite hearing loss in his left ear possibly related to fluid (or not), and they want to retest in a month.
So my obsession right now is to get the fluid out of his ears. We need it to be gone for the next test so that we can get accurate results. I've taken him to our osteopath and my chiropractor in hopes that some minor adjustments might help with drainage. We have an appointment scheduled with an allergist, and await a referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist. Is there a food connection? Possibly, although usually dairy is the culprit and I am confident dairy has left both of our systems by now. Poor Bug has been congested since birth. I am heartbroken to think that he cannot hear us at 100% (and maybe hasn't since he was born) and I just want to know if it is fluid-related or not, so that we can do whatever we need to do to help him. I can see signs that he can hear us but I also see signs that he misses some sounds. I worry about how his language development might be affected if we don't get to the bottom of this soon.
Oh do I ever hear you. As you know, Boober faced/faces the same challenges. While major hearing loss was ruled out in his case, he will need to be re-tested in the future - he also had fluid. Did the audiologist not test at the cochlear level?
ReplyDeleteI know it's difficult, but remember, before the hearing screen was introduced, you wouldn't have even known about the possibility of Bug's hearing loss until 6-9 months -- he's already got a leg up.
You're right. Yes, I am quite sure it was the same test (even the same tester - she was from your area and said she did all the testing there). Today was a good day - lots of responses to sounds. I am feeling much more hopeful that it is just the fluid and once it is gone, his hearing will be fine! Thanks, friend :)
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