For those of you that don't already know, Sadie didn't pass her hearing screening (the typical one used is the Otoacoustic Emissions test) before being released from the hospital. We were told not to worry, that some newborns still have fluid in their ears that takes a few days to a few weeks to clear out. The hospital scheduled her for another hearing screen at 3 weeks old.
I took her in, and after several attempts to test her hearing, the audiologist again couldn't get her to "pass." (I was informed at this point, it's not that she "failed", it's simply she didn't "pass"). He took her into a sound booth and tested her eardrums. The tests showed that neither of her eardrums were vibrating like they should. He told us not to worry, that it's likely still fluid, and she'll be re-tested in 3 weeks (at 6 weeks old). At this point, if she didn't pass the screen, Sadie would be referred to an ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) Specialist for further examination.
That's where we are today. The audiologist today attempted to "pass" Sadie again, but with no luck. She showed me how normal eardrums should perform on the test screen (visualize a mountain--slope up, peak, slope down), and then showed me what Sadie's were doing (flat line). Currently, Sadie's eardrums are not vibrating, meaning she's not hearing. Don't panic yet...
There are 3 likely situations that the ENT could diagnose at Sadie's appointment this Friday.
1. (Best Case) Sadie still has fluid in her ears, and it will need to be drained. After the fluid is cleared, she will get another test, the Auditory Brainstem Response test. Test results show no hearing loss.
2. Sadie still has fluid in her ears, and it will need to be drained. After the fluid is cleared, she will get another test, the Auditory Brainstem Response test. Test results show some hearing loss and further tests will need to be done to determine severity.
3. (Worst Case) Sadie does NOT have fluid in her ears and the Auditory Brainstem Response test, along with further tests, will help determine the type of hearing loss and treatment necessary.
We're hoping for situation #1 (of course!), and are praying for our sweet little Sadie Lady! We'll keep everyone posted as we find out more!
For more complete information on the whole process, click here.
9 comments:
Wow- Sadie. That is a lot for such a little girl. We'll be praying for you!
We'll keep her in our prayers too.
We'll add her to our prayers! We hope it's #1 also!
Oh goodness! We'll pray for all of you too. It seems silly that they say "don't worry" as if that's possible as a mother. I think they mean "don't freak out"
Though we're all hoping for #1 think of all the cool sign language you might get to learn :)!!
We'll pray for Sadie too!
We will continue to pray for little Sadie and everything will work out for the best. The Lord has a plan for all of us!! Although #1 does seem the greatest option!
We'll hope and pray for #1 too. It doesn't seem fair you should even have to begin to worry about something like that.
We'll be thinking and praying for you too. Sorry you have to just wait and see. I think sometimes that can be the hardest part.
We will include little Sadie in our prayers. You know, I think I would like to see the "Best Case" scenario, also. This may explain why she is sleeping so well. I know I sure can sleep well when I can't hear the world around me! Good luck and thanks for keeping us informed! I hope to get out and see this little gal, but if not, there is always Christmas Eve!
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