Nov 21 - failed 2nd hearing test (9 weeks old)Okay, we went into audiology last week to retry the infant hearing tests. He was asleep and very still so the testing environment was ideal but he failed the tests again. After 20 minutes or so of trying to get positive results, we went into a different sound room to check his middle ear for wax or fluid buildup (and probably other stuff I'm not aware of). The audiologist didn't find anything abnormal there. He explained that the tests did not work again and that he could try it again in about 6 weeks with brand new, updated equipment that had already been ordered and he was just waiting for the delivery. He didn't want us to worry about it before we tried the tests again with this new equipment. Naturally, I'm a little irritated with the idea that he was using "old" equipment and/or that he doesn't know how to do the test very well. There are probably 5-10 babies born every month at this hospital and I suppose all of them have the hearing tests so he's had a lot of experience doing the tests even though he's not a pediatric audiologist. I'll ask a few friends with new babies what their experience has been and if they can tell for sure if thier babies can hear at this age. I've agreed to wait another month to retest. This will get us through the holidays and into the new year before we have to worry about any potential problems.
Travis and I rationalize that he can definitely hear because he startles to loud noises. He's brand new and very young so we don't expect him to be able to respond to all sounds because he can't even hold his head up well or turn his head on his own to follow sounds. He is healthy and growing and meeting all the normal milestones for a 2 month old. At his well-baby appointment, I told the doctor that my only concern was his pending hearing test and was again reassured that it's probably nothing, and waiting for the new equipment was a good idea. So, we'll just observe his behaviors and casually test his responses a little more while we wait. The audiologist did mention that a parents gut instinct is one of the best indicators and usually quite accurate. I'm a little more concerned now and I'll share this with Grandma and Grandpa but don't really want to talk about it past that point as it will probably prove to be nothing. All the potential problems I encountered during my pregnancy ended up just fine so why not expect the same with this one. I just wish we could sit back and completely enjoy ourselves here instead of having this loom overhead.
