Today was Parker's first appointment with Hearing Australia.
Our ideal outcome- to test Parker's hearing, establish what level it is at despite his fluid in ears, and determine if he will need a bone conductor hearing aid to provide him with additional sensory input while the fluid is given a chance to clear. When his ears get large enough, grommets will be placed inside which act as drainage and allow the fluid to circumvent the blocked Eustachian tube and drain out the ear instead. The grommets fall out naturally in the child's sleep.
Parker first had a 'puff test'- a seal is created around the ear, before a puff of air is sent in. This determines the level of movement in the eardrum, thus alerting us to the existence of fluid behind. On Parker's last puff test, zero movement was detected- only one ear could be tested as the other was too small.
Once again, only one ear could be tested- however this time, he passed, with movement being detected! This is a much better result and indicates right now, there is likely no fluid on the ears. However there could be some in his other eardrum which has a slightly smaller canal.
Parker also had a behavioral test! This involves training him in cause and effect, and having him respond to different sounds and pitches. When he is prompted by the noise, if he responds and looks at the wall he is rewarded with a puppet show!
I got an awesome surprise to see an old puppet friend from my childhood- Mixie. Remember her, from the Ferals? Best show ever!
I'm very please to say Parker passed his behavioral test with flying colours. Combined with his newborn screen and 6 month ABR hearing test, this means we can rule out any long term hearing loss.
Mummy's kinda sad we don't go back to see Mixie again for months and months. But Parker's like- HOORAY!!
They only check a certain hearing rangein the behavioral test- but Parker has been certified in hearing all ranges of typical speech, without background noise, at a distance of one meter.
And, right now, this news is the best we can achieve! We will attend the hearing clinic again after Parker's tonsils and adenoids are removed in a few months.
Have a super day!