Question
Does neonatal jaundice affect hearing?
Answer
Neonatal jaundice does not affect hearing screenings. If a hearing screening fails, it may be due to foreign objects in the baby’s ears. In such cases, it is recommended to recheck at the hospital after the baby is one month old, usually without any issues, so there is no need to worry excessively. Newborns with jaundice do not have their hearing screenings affected, even if their bilirubin levels are not above 12. In such cases, it is sufficient to give the baby more water and expose them to sunlight; medication treatment is not necessary.