Question
The baby was born a few days ago and has been scratching its ears lately. What should I do if the baby’s hearing test fails?
Answer
A failed newborn hearing screen does not necessarily indicate a hearing problem; it could be due to residues such as amniotic fluid and vernix caseosa in the external auditory canal and middle ear cavity. It is advisable for parents to take the baby to an otorhinolaryngology department for a timely medical consultation and examination. At the same time, daily care should include precautions against heat stroke to facilitate the baby’s hearing recovery.