Kiera's 15 month checkup and a hearing question...

jdkjd wrote: Kiera was on track for 75-90 percentile at 32 inches and 25.7 lbs. But we've been a little concerned lately because she doesn't have any words and doesn't point.

She also doesn't react when we say her name. I was a little worried that her hearing wasn't up to snuff and the doctor agreed that she should have her hearing evaluated.

I'm torn between being really worried or just adopting a wait and see attitude. She WAS starting to say Ma, Da and Ba (for ball) but she stopped, so I'm wondering if maybe she's just got too much fluid accumulating in her ears.

Has anyone had a similar experience or know of someone who has?

Other than the possible hearing problem she is doing great.

gr33n3y3z replied: when it comes to your childs health you never wait
Go get her hearing tested and see what if any problems could be there.
Good Luck

kit_kats_mom replied: Well, little miss chubbikins sure doesn't have an eating problem! that's for darn sure. LOL

I'd make an appointment with a dr but you know me...the worry wart extrordinare. Could just be ear wax, could be a hearing problem or she could just be ignoring you.

Here's some info I found that you can try at home.

When to be concerned
The vast majority of babies have excellent hearing, but a few will have problems, especially if they were born very prematurely or were deprived of oxygen or had a severe infection at birth. Babies with a family history of hearing loss are also more likely to have impaired hearing.

The fact that your baby can sleep right through the telephone ringing and the dog barking is perfectly normal — he needs his sleep. There are other ways to tell if your child might have a hearing problem, though. When your baby is awake and alert — and not suffering from a cold or ear infection, which can temporarily affect his hearing — he should startle at loud, sudden noises. He should also calm and turn to you when he hears your voice and react normally to sounds around him. If he doesn't, ask his doctor about formal hearing tests. You can start with these quick evaluations at home:

Birth to 3 months: Clap your hands behind your baby's head. If he startles, he's fine.

Between 4 and 6 months: Call his name to see whether he turns toward or reacts to your voice. See if he turns his eyes or head to look for an interesting sound.

Between 6 and 10 months: See whether your child responds to his name and familiar environmental sounds, such as the ringing of the phone or the roar of the vacuum cleaner.

Between 10 and 15 months: Ask your child to point to a familiar object in a picture book. If he can't, he may not be hearing you.

As you conduct these informal tests, remember that you're looking for your baby's best responses, not his average behavior. If you're convinced that he's responding some of the time, his hearing is probably okay.

Still, if you're concerned, trust your instincts and talk with your doctor.

Call me if you need anything. I'll be around after 6pm.

Hugs!

jdkjd replied: thanks. i'll let you know when they set up the evaluation...

Kaitlin'smom replied: better to have it checked then to let it go, have you done any of the things cary suggested?

A&A'smommy replied: Wow she has grown so much!!! Let us know how her evaluation goes!!!

amynicole21 replied: I wouldn't spend a lot of time worrying, just get her evaluated. I hope everything's ok...

coasterqueen replied: WTGrow Kiera!!!! Not sure about the hearing issue but I'd just play it out and see what happens. I wouldn't get too worried just yet, although as moms that's a tough thing for us to do.

jdkjd replied: I'm pretty sure it's an earwax issue, especially because DH enlightened me that he had an earwax issue when he was a child so I'm just waiting for the Dr.s office to tell me when the evaluation will be.

Thanks for your comments. I'm trying not to worry but I had a hard time sleeping last night thinking about her.

gr33n3y3z replied: I'm sure everything will be fine

Its better to be safe then sorry

I wish I could tell you not to worry but I know its hard

jem0622 replied: If she's had lots of trouble with ear infections then now is the time for an ENT visit and talk about tubes. Nathan had quite a few and ended up with tubes at 14 mos. His speech took off following that surgery and it was so quick! I know a guy who had lots of trouble with his ears and it was all b/c of how they were shaped/developed. Some folks just have that and tubes are necessary.

HUGS

jcc64 replied: My 9 yr old had chronic ear infections as a baby and toddler, and I'm certain that is why he now has a mild speech delay. I believe he was suffering temporary hearing loss right at the time he was supposed to be acquiring speech.
The hearing test that peds have now can be performed on very tiny babies, even newborns. It's very simple, accurate, and non-invasive. Why wait if you're concerned?

jdkjd replied: My HMO requires referrals so I was waiting for my Dr.'s office to call them and get the referral number. I went ahead and contacted the audiologist and set an appointment for June 29th.

Do you guys think I should try to go ahead and flush out her ears? Apparently you can use a hydrogen peroxide solution to clean them out...

MommyToAshley replied: What a big girl! WOW! Soon she will be the same size as Bailey! My sister's girls are two years apart and they have worn the same size clothes since they were 4 & 6 years old (They are 13 and 15 now)

As for the hearing, I have always been told that it is best to have any concerns with hearing evaluated and treated as soon as possible to prevent delays in other areas. So, I would error on the side of caution. But, try not to worry too much, it sounds like it might just be earwax (especially since your DH had that problem)

Please keep us posted!

Kaitlin'smom replied:
thats what my docotr had me use when my ear was clogged with wax that lead me to an infection, its a really weird sound when you put it in. I could hear it working, took a coupld days of using ti for me to 'hear' out of that ear again

Jamielou replied: Im sure everything will be fine But i know how you feel when its your baby your gonna start with the worst possible sinario and make it hard on yourself,I would just try really hard not to worry...(easier said than done)....I hope she does well

jdkjd replied:
Kiera actually wore Bailey's shorts to school today (2T). All of her 12-18 or 18-24 month shorts looked like hotpants.

kit_kats_mom replied: When I use the peroxide, I just lie down and pour a capful in. It tickles like mad though so I would imagine you may have a hard time keeping her still.

Kaitlin'smom replied:
I use the suringe like you get with some meds makes it easier to get it in the ear at least for me