Question
I had a cesarean section and gave birth to a premature baby at 37+1 days, weighing just over three pounds. The baby was later placed in an incubator and underwent a hearing screening. The left ear only passed after several checks, and the doctor said another test should be done at 42 days postpartum. We are very worried but don’t know what to do.
Answer
One of the newborn screening projects is the hearing screening, which is primarily applicable to full-term infants. If your baby is premature, the test should be conducted after adjusting for gestational age. The first test result is not very important. I believe that hearing problems may be related to prematurity, or they may be associated with the baby’s non-cooperation. I suggest you have another test done at 42 days postpartum; the next test may be normal.