Question
My son failed the hearing test for both ears when he was born. One month later, during the follow-up check, one ear showed a slight response while the other did not pass. The doctor recommended going to a large hospital for examination. I was planning to go after the New Year, but now my son is already four months old. I am sure he can hear because loud noises scare him. Doctor, do we still need to go for the examination?
Answer
For newborns with abnormal hearing tests, even if there is an observed auditory response later, it is still recommended to undergo further hearing examination. This is because early determination of hearing status is crucial for language development and future educational planning. Even if the child seems to have hearing now, a professional hearing test can provide a more accurate diagnosis and determine whether any intervention or treatment is needed. In addition, regular hearing tests are key to preventing and early detection of hearing problems.