Discovering Hearing Loss

Discovering Hearing Loss

The day after Isabella was born we had a nurse come around to perform the Newborn Infant hearing screening and after trying numerous times & learning she did not pass the screening test in both ears our hearts sank. The nurse advised that this may be fluid in the ear & that all newborns that do not pass the screen, will be required to complete a rescreen at a later date. Upon not passing the second set of hearing test, then we would be referred to a specialist for further testing (At this point we were upset but not too worried as we were hoping it was fluid & would clear within 4 weeks)

After completing both screenings & following up with audiologist we discovered at 6 months that Isabella has a Sensorineural hearing loss which occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea), or to the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. We were absolutely devastated & were told this cannot be medically or surgically corrected. This is the most common type of permanent hearing loss. It is often the case that parents will feel denial & we were no exception it is was very hard to accept & we were in disbelief for quite some time. As with a high percentage of hearing loss cases we do not know the cause.

After Isabella had her hearing aids & moulds fitted at 9 months it was astounding to see her reaction as went for a walk & she was able to hear the construction noise the look on her face was sheer delight & I was shocked to see her reaction it was such a wonderful feeling as a parent to witness your baby hearing clearly for the first time.

 There are many challenges we have faced & I’m sure many more to come but for now our main difficulty is trying to keep hearing aids in a 12 month old. At this age everything ends up in the mouth!  (Including the hearing aids) Our solution for now is lots of fantastic hats & headbands I’ve been making which seem to be working well for the moment. We are just so grateful that she can benefit from having hearing aids, and she is responding extremely well.

http://www.hear-it.org/
http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/sight/hearing_impairment.html