Question
The doctor used a hearing aid and couldn’t pass the visual inspection, and said the baby’s ear opening was too small. What are the reasons for damage in newborn hearing screening?
Answer
The incidence of hearing impairment in newborns is approximately 0.1%-0.3%, making it the highest among the several diseases that can be screened for in newborns. Generally, children who fail the initial screening should be retested within about one month or 42 days after birth. Those who do not pass the retest should undergo diagnostic examinations at a child hearing diagnosis center at 3 months. Failing the screening does not necessarily mean the baby has poor hearing. It could be due to the baby not cooperating with other factors at that time. Some suggest it’s best to follow the doctor’s advice and have another check-up in a week. Don’t worry too much, and then proceed with symptomatic treatment based on the results.