Question
What causes newborns to have difficulty hearing?
Answer
During the newborn period, middle ear effusion, along with the presence of amniotic fluid, vernix caseosa, and fetal remnants in the external auditory canal, may affect the transmission of auditory reflexes, leading to weakened or absent auditory reflex signals. Newborns who have not passed the hearing screening should undergo a hearing test and medical examination by 3 months of age to ensure a diagnosis of any congenital or permanent hearing loss before 6 months, allowing for early intervention. It is recommended to consult the otolaryngology department of a hospital for further detailed examination.