My name is Marilyn Baker, and I have horrible allergies. I’m 42 years old and have been suffering from allergies since I was a child. I have seasonal and environmental allergies. Allergies plague me year round. When I was young, my parents even moved to a dryer area in the hope of helping me. Over the past eight years, I have done extensive research both through doctors and online. I have managed to come up with some combinations that have helped me a great deal. My allergies aren’t gone, but they have become manageable. I do have to have allergy shots, but I also use some natural remedies. I am happy to be able to share my findings with you here on my blog. I hope you can find some of this of value.
Babies who are born prematurely can have various health problems, including hearing problems. Premature babies are often given high oxygen concentrations via mechanical ventilation, which has been found to be a risk factor of hearing loss when the use of mechanical ventilation is prolonged. Due to the risks, it's important to understand how to recognize if your baby has a hearing problem and what you can do about it if they do.
Warning Signs and Red Flags
There are warning signs your baby may give you that can clue you in when your little one is unable to hear. If you make a loud sound beside your baby's ear and he or she doesn't startle, your bundle of joy may have a hearing problem. Simply clap your hands together beside your baby's head and see if they startle or flinch. Another warning sign is that your baby cannot hear is when you notice that they don't respond to soothing sounds or to your voice.
As many parents know, the old cliche 'sleep like a baby' is more of an oxymoron than anything. Babies typically get woken up whenever there are noises and sounds. If your baby can sleep through any loud noises, this is also a sign that your baby's little ears may not be functioning properly. Also, another way to tell if your baby hears or not is to watch their facial expressions when there's a loud noise. Babies with good hearing often scrunch up their little noses, twist their mouths, and/or open their eyes wide when they hear loud noises. If your baby doesn't do these types of things, it's a red flag that they are unable to hear.
Audio Tests and Treatments
If you believe your baby has a hearing problem, it's important to have your baby's hearing tested. While pediatricians often test their patient's hearing abilities, they may not have the proper testing equipment in their office. You will need to take your baby to an audiologist for audio tests. Depending on your health insurance, this may require a referral by your pediatrician. Here is a list of various audio tests that are for babies.
After the necessary tests are done, the audiologist and pediatrician will have a better understanding of which types of treatments will help your baby, which can include antibacterial medication, surgery, ear tubes, cochlear implants, and hearing aids. Your baby may also benefit from speech therapy and may need to be taught sign language in the future.
If you suspect your infant has a hearing problem, reach out to audiologists at facilities like the Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic, Inc.
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