Audiologist

We went to the audiologist this morning. Justin has not had a successful newborn hearing screening yet. She started with that test and got some response in his left ear, but not his right. She said that because she cannot see his ear drum it is hard to know if it is the ear drum that is reverberating or if it is the ear canal because at his age they are still flexible and can make similar movements. Then she tried another test, but Justin was not very happy (who would be with someone sticking things in your ear!) and it was difficult for the computer to pick up any response from the ear drum. So, we have to go back for another test next week, an ABR(auditory brain stem response). This requires him to be very asleep so I am supposed to have him come in very tired and very hungry so he will eat and then fall into deep sleep. She said that it often takes 2 times to gather enough data. She mentioned that I brought him in at a good age because at 6 months they start sedating babies for the test. I hope to avoid that if possible so we are trying to rush this before surgery. After the recovery from surgery it will be that much closer to 6 months, especially of it is delayed, so the sooner the better for this. The ABR will also determine if the hearing loss is inner ear (permanent) or middle ear (caused by fluid or the narrow canals). Of course you can guess what we would like the results to be, but please pray also that they are able to collect sufficient data the first time. I know that I will be as traumatized as Justin is!

Also, we have to get Justin blood typed for surgery. Randy and I are the same type, which would mean that most likely, so is Justin, but we still have to be certain. And TCH will only allow first degree family to donate blood, which is Randy and me, since Travis is a bit (okay, WAY) too young. And we can only donate one specific day to allow time for testing before surgery. We definitely want to donate, but I really hoped that other people could help too.