Today, Millie had an appointment with her audiologist. We have been trying to get an answer about potential hearing loss in Millie's right ear. Unfortunately, there are still some unknowns.
Currently, Millie has unilateral mild hearing loss. (Hearing loss in one ear). The cause of Millie's hearing loss is the same as Lainey's - mutations in the Connexin 26 gene. Typically, Connexin 26 is associated with bilateral hearing loss (hearing loss in both ears).
Early in Millie's hearing journey, we were told it is possible that Millie might need another hearing aid.
At Millie's last two appointments, there has been fluid in her right ear. The results of her last two hearing tests also showed mild hearing loss in her right ear. Fluid in an ear can add to hearing loss. Right now, the tricky part is that we don't know if the fluid is causing her to have hearing loss or if she has fluid AND hearing loss in her right ear. We need her right ear to be "healthy" before we can determine if it has hearing loss as well.
So in August, we will go see her ENT. Hopefully then, we can get an answer about the fluid. If the fluid remains, it is possible she might need tubes. Her audiologist would do an ABR to follow (since she'd already be sedated) to determine if she has hearing loss in her right ear. But hopefully, the fluid will have cleared, and we can get back with her audiologist for another hearing test with a "healthy" ear.
Millie has not had any ear infections but had a cold in early May. Her audiologist said fluid from being sick can remain in the ears for 4-6 weeks. At the first appointment where we saw fluid, she had been recovering from an illness as well. So it is hard to know if that fluid is lingering from the previous illnesses or if she needs tubes.
I feel pretty bummed we didn't get an answer today. It is hard to wait patiently in the unknown. I will be praying that we can get an answer soon. Fluid in the ears and/or undiagnosed/unaided hearing loss can affect speech development. I am anxious to get an answer so we can help Millie as soon as possible.
Millie Rose, you are such a champ! You did an amazing job during your hearing test and was so patient! I am so proud of you!! I love you so much, my darling!
Commenti