Loud and clear

Lennox had his hearing test today. It's a baseline test that is done while he is sleeping. Fluid build up in the ears is more common in children with Down syndrome. With this test, they have his initial information if he happens to lose part of his hearing as he grows older. Many kids end up needing ear tubes, which I see daily at work. If he happens to need tubes, then so be it. It's a quick procedure, with an easy recovery. A very small obstacle in my eyes.

The test was done at the Children's. It was a 2 hour appointment, giving me time to get baby boy to sleep, allowing them to test his hearing while his muscles are relaxed. He had to have 4 electrodes applied. 2 on his forehead and one behind each ear. He was"wired for sound" and didn't mind at all. Once asleep he had a little bud in his ear during testing. He was fairly cooperative, all things considered.

So it took about an hour to get him down. The left ear was done quickly and effortlessly. Perfect hearing to his left side. Then we had to change sides. He stirred a bit and we managed to complete half of the test before he woke up to play. The right side wasn't completed as a full diagnostic test. But the audiologist managed to use a screening tool to check his hearing while awake. It's not a full diagnosis but she feels 95% confident that both ears are the same, as hearing loss is usually bilateral. It was a long morning but I left with the results I was hoping for. The care was great and the audiologist was patient and kind. Follow up is now every six months until Lennox turns 3 years old. 

I know little man hears us. He's been watching very intently while we speak to him. And he looks around if he hears my voice. He coos at his toys now and sometimes will try "engage in conversation" with whomever is talking to him....So cute!

Some updated pics...