Question
During the newborn hearing screening, the left ear passed while the right ear did not. Later, at the 42-day check-up, the right ear passed while the left ear did not. Is this hearing screening result accurate? How should this situation be understood?
Answer
A failed newborn hearing screening at the initial stage is a common occurrence, possibly due to blockage by amniotic fluid or secretions. Different screening instruments have varying reporting programs, which may lead to false positive or false negative results. Parents should not be overly concerned and should observe the baby’s response to various sounds, avoid exposing the baby to noise, prevent colds and head injuries, and schedule timely follow-up appointments at the hospital. If the condition is not due to early pregnancy medication or genetic issues due to underdeveloped nervous system or narrow ear canals, the situation usually improves as the baby grows.