Sound Advice

Liverpool Echo 19 January 2012

By chance, on the day of Aruna's newborn hearing screening at the Womens' Hospital, we received a letter from the ENT Department at Alder Hey Children's Hospital about William's hearing investigations which took place between 2009-10 when he was suffering from glue ear.  The letter informed us that several children investigated by one particular doctor had undiagnosed hearing loss and, as a result, an internal audit has identified all the children investigated by this doctor who were not seen by anyone else.  William, one of these children, is now to return for re-testing, although we have to wait until the end of February for the appointment.

He was eventually discharged in 2010, and, until recently, I have been confident that his hearing has been quite good.  However, perhaps by unhappy chance, he has recently had a further infection which, I suspect, has resulted in a further bout of glue ear.  He shouts a lot, and doesn't hear us well when speaking with lowered or even normal tones.  (This has been quite wearing.  Since Aruna's birth, I am seeking a little more quiet than usual.)

So, we're off to the GP on Monday to have a look at his ear, and maybe get this follow-up expedited.  Two years ago, I had faith in the care he received at Alder Hey, and today, I still do.  However, a little part of me will worry about permanent damage to his hearing until we get some reassurance.

Aruna's newborn hearing screen 19 Jan (3.5 weeks old)