Question

A 6-year-old child has recently been discovered to have poor hearing in the right ear, using only the left ear to answer the phone. After an initial external auditory canal examination at a children’s hospital, the child was instructed to undergo multiple hearing tests. However, due to the child’s inability to sleep, the “Multi-Frequency Steady-State Auditory Response” test could not be completed. Concerned about the potential harm of excessive medication, the parents sought professional advice.

Answer

Based on the description, the child may have a problem with the tympanic membrane or ossicle chain conduction, leading to hearing loss. It is recommended to undergo a “Multi-Frequency Steady-State Auditory Response” test to determine the specific cause. If diagnosed, early treatment should be initiated to avoid missing the best treatment window. The doctor asked: Does the child have a history of trauma? How long have the symptoms lasted?