subject: A Failed Newborn Hearing Test Could Show Heightened Risk Of Sids [print this page] A large portion of the babies born in the United States has undergone a required newborn hearing test after birth. Sometimes children will not pass these tests because there is excess fluid in the ear or damage to part of the ear. Some recent research has given those studying reason to believe that there could be a connection between SIDS and a failed newborn screening.
A great deal more research needs to be done on the subject, but what they have found is intriguing and enough that would make people question to some degree. The study, that was done, included thirty-one babies who died of SIDS and also had a failed screening in the hospital. All of these babies had hearing that was the worse in the right ear when compared to those who did not die from SIDs.
There were factors not considered in the study such as method of sleeping. It is emphasized today that babies should sleep on their back, but not all mothers follow this rule. Because of this lack of information, there is no way of knowing whether there is an association at this point. There is enough information however, to peak the curiosity of those who study SIDS, and hopefully, at some point if there is a connection to be made it will be, so that SIDS can be prevented.
The main connection that was made is that the inner ear can be damaged at birth. This damage could cause SIDS since it is believed that the inner ear is associated with a baby's breathing while sleeping. Much more research needs to be done, but it seems to be enough for those with babies to take this into careful consideration as their children get newborn screenings.
If your child fails the first hearing test, ask for one to be repeated again before you leave. If they are unable to do it, ask for a referral to an audiologist as soon as possible. In the mean time, you should take all of the normal precautions that the hospital gives for SIDS. A new parent could certainly be frightened if they heard this information and then had their baby fail a newborn screening. This information concerning the newborn hearing test and SIDS is not meant to frighten anyone, but it is actually somewhat encouraging that research is in process to hopefully put a stop to this terrible problem.
by: Anna Woodward
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