Question
My baby passed the hearing screening on the left ear at birth but not on the right. Then, at the 42-day check-up, the right ear passed but the left ear did not. I’m wondering, are the results of the newborn hearing screening accurate? What is my baby’s situation?
Answer
There can be differences in the reporting programs of various screening devices, so the results may have false positives and false negatives. A failed initial screening is a normal phenomenon, possibly due to blockage by amniotic fluid or secretions. You don’t need to worry too much. You should observe your child’s response to various sounds and avoid exposing your child to noise, colds, and head injuries. Follow the doctor’s advice and regularly visit the hospital for check-ups. If the condition is not caused by early pregnancy medication treatment or genetic issues, it may improve as the baby grows up. Incomplete development of the nervous system or narrow ear canals may also cause the screening to fail. Please continue to pay attention to your baby’s hearing development and handle it according to the doctor’s guidance.