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Newborn Hearing Screening Test
According to medical reports, it is observed that 2 or 3 among every 1,000 newborn babies suffer from hearing loss. This makes a hearing screening test for newborns a necessary procedure. Two tests, in particular - the OCE test and the AABR test - have been used around the world to assess if the baby has any hearing loss.
Video: Newborn Hearing Screening Test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPRQ9XRGFfs
Why Newborn Hearing Screening Tests Are Important?
Hearing loss can have serious repercussions on the baby’s development. It inhibits the child from learning how to speak. Newborns learn from the environment around them. While babies with hearing problems can learn visually, they will be unable to pick up speech as they cannot decipher the sounds around them. A conversation initiated by the mother may sound like nothing more than muffled noises. This eventually results in impaired speech.
A hearing test can catch this impaired hearing, and the child can be sent for speech therapy. According to audiologists, children treated for hearing loss in time will never have difficulties in speech, language skills, reading and writing.
Hearing test for infants includes the Otoacoustic Emission Test (OAE) and the Automated Auditory Brainstem Response Test (AABR). The type of test that is performed largely depends on the hospital. Some hospitals perform both tests, which is more thorough but could be more expensive. Others first screen for OAE and only if the newborn fails this test do they perform an AABR test.
When Is Newborn Hearing Screening Test Performed?
The screening test can be performed at the earliest and is usually carried out at the hospital before the baby gets discharged. Experts recommend that the test is conducted when the infant is about a month old as they can clearly differentiate between sounds at this stage in life. However, there is no harm in extending the test until the infant is three months old.
How Is Hearing Test For Newborn Done?
As discussed, AABR and OAE are the two tests that are carried out on the baby:
Otoacoustic Emissions(OAE)
The OAE test for newborns is conducted to find the movement of sound waves in the inner part of the baby’s ear. A ticking sound is passed, and the ear is tested to see if it instantly responds to the sound.
The test is conducted when the child is calm and sleeping. To get better results, one can feed or hold the child to make them feel comfortable.
Automated Auditory Brainstem response (AABR)
In the ABR test, the brain of the baby is connected to the computer with the help of sensors. The brainwave activity is tested by transmitting clicking sound using small soft earphones which are placed in the baby’s ears.
When Will You Get Results Of Baby Hearing Test?
Once the OAE test is conducted successfully, which takes not more than 5 to 10 minutes of time, the results will be displayed on the screen in about thirty seconds.
The AABR test can take as long as about two hours. The results will be shared immediately after the test is completed.
Interpretation Of Result
Hearing is measured in Decibels Hearing Level (Db HL). For an OAE test, the range of 30 Db HL is considered the upper limit. If a newborn fares more than 30 Db HL, it is assumed that some hearing loss is present.
An AABR is a screening test and does not evaluate the degree of hearing loss in a child. It has a pass/fail approach where the computer sensor gives out one of the two results based on its calculations.
What Happens If My Baby Fails The Hearing Test?
When the newborn child does not respond to the OAE test as expected, the doctors conduct the test again. This is because a newborn with perfect hearing may also fail the OAE hearing test. The reasons for the failure of the test could be a gathering of debris in the ear canal, a noisy room while performing the test, or if the baby keeps crying. All this makes it difficult for the baby to pass the test. It is observed that babies who fail the test for the first time often successfully pass the test on the second attempt.
If your baby fails the OAE test for the second time, then the audiologist will conduct an AABR test to be certain that there is indeed a hearing problem. After this, follow up tests are done which are more thorough and will involve other professionals like the Early Intervention Specialist, Paediatric Audiologist, and an ENT Physician.
If Hearing Loss Is Found In a Newborn What Are The Further Treatments?
There are plenty of options for the treatment of children who suffer from hearing loss. The Early Intervention Specialist is an individual who works exclusively with children who have hearing disabilities. Their guidance helps the child overcome communication barriers by identifying their weak points and strengthening them. This treatment is more developmental than medical. The Paediatric Audiologist is one who looks into the medical aspects of the hearing loss and may recommend hearing aids or in some cases, corrective surgery.
If My Baby Passes The Hearing Test Can They Still Have Hearing Loss?
The mentioned tests only check for hearing impairment that has taken place at the time of birth. This could be because of pregnancy-related issues or genetics. However, this does not mean that a child cannot have hearing impairment in the future. Trauma to the head, listening to loud music constantly, and ear infections are all dangerous and can cause impaired hearing.
The screening test should regularly be performed during every medical check-up of the newborn baby. In case of any doubt, one can always consult an expert such as an audiologist on what the future course of action should be.
Conclusion: Hearing loss is a big hurdle in the life of any child as it may prevent them from being socially active and academically competent. A screening test at an early age can help parents understand the issue and not panic when their infant is unresponsive during their early months. Early treatment such as speech therapy and minor surgery can help children with hearing impairment live a normal life. Read more
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10 Common Sunscreen Ingredients That Can Harm Your Child
As we have been told by our parents and elders, an excess of anything isn't good, not even sunshine. While outdoors, you need to protect your little one’s tender skin from harmful UV (ultraviolet) radiations of the sun. However, do check that the sunscreen you are applying doesn't have potentially toxic chemicals which can cause a range of disorders from skin allergies to even cancer!
Sunscreens broadly fall into 2 categories- mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreens protect the skin by blocking or reflecting the harmful radiations of the sun. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin to filter and absorb UV rays thereby protecting deeper layers. However, while choosing brands, avoid the following 10 dubious ingredients to reap the benefits of sunscreen and sidestep the potentially harmful side effects.
Dangerous Ingredients In Sunscreen That You Must Avoid
1. Oxybenzone
This common ingredient in chemical sunscreens accumulates faster than our body can get rid of it. Eczema like allergic reactions can be caused when oxybenzone is absorbed by your child’s skin. Experts also suspect that oxybenzone disrupts your child’s hormones and endocrine system.
2. Octinoxate
Another sunscreen culprit is the commonly found chemical octinoxate which produces free radicals that can cause long-term damage to skin and cells. It's also believed to disrupt your child's hormonal balance.
3. Cinoxate
This active ingredient in sunscreens can cause skin rashes and other serious allergic reactions like swelling, especially of the face /tongue /throat, severe dizziness and breathing problems.
4. Retinyl Palmitate(Vitamin A Palmitate)
This active ingredient in sunscreens with anti-ageing powers breaks down when exposed to the sun's UV rays, and produces destructive free toxic radicals. These damage DNA and can even cause skin tumours and cancer.
5. Homosalate
These are UV-absorbing toxic sunscreen ingredients that tend to accumulate in our bodies and turn toxic over time. They can disrupt our hormones when the exposure is for long durations. ||
6. Paraben Preservatives
This common toxic chemical in sunscreens can lead to both acute and chronic side effects. Allergic reactions, hormone disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity are a few harmful ingredients in sunscreen you strictly need to avoid.
7. Octocrylene
This chemical which is easily absorbed and retained by the body is particularly harmful when exposed to UV light. It produces oxygen radicals which can not only damage human cells and cause mutations but are also toxic to the environment.
8. Nanoparticles (Zinc Dioxide/Titanium Dioxide)
This can be risky when inhaled through sunscreens in spray forms. Your child's lungs have difficulty cleaning small particles, which may, therefore, pass from the lungs into the bloodstream. Extensive organ damage can be caused by soluble nanoparticles that penetrate skin or lung tissue.
9. Methylisothiazolinone(MI)
A common chemical preservative used in sunscreens is a potent allergen and can cause acute skin allergies in children. Definitely, one of the most alarming ingredients to avoid in sunscreen!
10. Fragrance
Synthetic fragrances used in some sunscreens contain harmful chemicals which might disrupt your child’s hormonal system. These are bad ingredients in sunscreen that can have long-term side effects.
This sure sounds scary! As concerned moms, try to choose herbal sunscreens that do not have these harmful chemicals. Also, make sure your child wears a hat and a full shirt when in the sun. Opt for a diet high in antioxidants which protect and nurture the skin. Fruits and veggies are your best bet here. Read more
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Bottle gourd and Peas soup
Bottle gourd is one such veggie that kids or adults usually don't like. But the advantages of bottle gourd are just a lot to disregard this healthy vegetable. Bottle gourd provides more of the healthy nutrients than calories and fats. A ladleful of this soup and you are sure to feel light, warm and comforting. All the weight loss seekers, here's a soup of bottle gourd packed with the goodness of peas.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
15 Minutes
15 Minutes
Ingredients
1 small bottle gourd (diced)
1 cup green peas
1 small onion (diced)
2 small pieces garlic
1 green chilly
1/2 cup yellow moong dal (yellow lentils)
1 lemon juice
2 tbsp (tablespoon) fresh coriander
1tbsp salt & pepper
1 tbsp oil
a pinch of jeera/cumin
a pinch of turmeric powder
2 cups water
Method
Step 1
In a pressure cooker, add all ingredients and water.
Step 2
To 1 tbsp oil, add jeera, allow it to crackle. Add this to the ingredients in pressure cooker.
Step 3
Pressure cook all the ingredients, till around three whistles. Allow to cool.
Step 4
Blend the cooked mixture with a hand blender to form a soup-like consistency.
Step 5
Add some water if required and boil for 3 minutes.
Step 6
Serve with some fresh coriander to top it.
Nutritional Information
Calories
97
Sodium
213 mg
Total Fat
1.5 g
Potassium
0 mg
Saturated
0 g
Total Carbs
7 g
Polyunsaturated
0 g
Dietary Fiber
2 g
Monounsaturated
0 g
Sugars
2 g
Trans
0 g
Protein
2 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Vitamin A
0%
Calcium
4%
Vitamin C
4%
Iron
5%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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How to Interact with your Newborn Child?
Interacting with your newborn baby can be a challenging task. Since the only mode of communication for a newborn is crying, adults often feel at a loss when it comes to interacting with the babies. It is advised to keep your baby engaged, but too much of the stimulation is known to make the babies irritable. So, what should you do?
The ways you choose to interact with your baby will allow your baby to learn things such as communicating, socializing, moving and understanding the environment surrounding him. One of the major things your infant will learn during the initial weeks is associating with your touch, voice and face. Your role is to promote your baby’s learning by triggering off his senses in a positive way with gentle caresses, soothing sounds and friendly smiles. It is surprising to know that even at such a young age, infants love to explore and learn about their surroundings. An infant loves to observe faces, especially the face of his mother. The baby will connect with your voice and slowly start responding to it by appearing alert. In fact, when you start communicating with your baby, he will become familiar with your voice, associating it with comfort and warmth.
Rooting Reflex in Babies
This is another inherent quality in infants which allows them to respond to certain stimuli such as touch, voice and facial features of people surrounding a child which will contribute in their understanding of the world around. In response to stimuli, your baby may turn his head around, for example, when you touch the baby’s cheek, he will open his mouth and look at you, ready to eat. The baby will exhibit these reflexes when he is wide awake and highly stimulated. Once he has learnt his response the baby may respond accordingly and the next time you stroke his cheek while he is breastfeeding, the chances are that he will pause.
When to Interact with your Baby?
During the initial month, your infant will spend most of his time either drowsing or deep in sleep like an angel. It is only over a span of several weeks that a baby matures and remains alert for a longer period of time. It is vital for you to be able to recognize when your baby is ready to interact with you and when he wishes to be left alone. If the baby is awake but too active, like if he is flipping his arms, squirming or kicking his legs, chances are that he will not focus on you. If you try to gain his attention, he will get irritated and may start crying. This is a typical sign of over-stimulation. On the other hand, if he is awake and not too active, you can divert the baby’s attention towards you by trying to interact.
Suggested Activities to Interact with your Newborn
1. Give the Baby Company After a Good Night’s Sleep
It is a good idea to let the night be quiet and calm for the baby, and plan a fun-filled day of activity for him. It does not mean taking your child around for grocery tours. You can let family members mingle and spend time with the baby, talking and playing with him. Put a comfortable booster seat or high chair in the hub of your home and let the baby watch human movements. While you are watching the television, you can let your baby sit and enjoy with you. The baby may not understand what’s going on, but you can keep talking to him at short intervals and have a hearty laugh over some funny television time.
2. Silent Strolls for Your Baby
Let your little one enjoy precious moments of silence. When the day is bright but comfortably cool, take him along for a stroll in his comfortable stroller. You can also sing a soft and rhythmic song that he will start associating with you in the future. Let the baby gaze around and enjoy the serene environment.
3. Maintaining Physical Contact with Your Little One
It is important that you maintain physical touch with your baby. Skin-to-skin contact is essential to make your little one feel loved and cared for. Just hold the baby close to your body, giving him comfort and reassurance. You can also lie down and place the baby on your belly and rub his back gently.
4. Give the Baby Interesting Visuals to Get Amused
Your little one will not be able to differentiate between images just yet, but the idea to introduce the baby to different colours, sizes and shapes is great. Take your newborn to locations that are amusing and soothing. These playful methods will certainly have a positive impact on the cognitive development of your baby.
5. Try to Make It a Two-way Conversation
Try to invite some positive response from your little one. Sing nursery rhymes which involve using different sounds. These will entice your baby in learning different sounds and respond to them in his own manner.
Understand that your baby’s normal language development will have a broader range of alphabets and sounds, but it is best to start early. Your baby does enjoy hearing your voice, so go ahead and indulge in some gibberish and baby-talk! Read more
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How to Deal With Stress Over Providing Your Child With Better Education
Being a parent can be so stressful, not only because of the visceral and very deep care that you have for your children but also because you constantly worry about their future. How will they turn out? Am I doing everything right? What if something goes wrong? Will it all be my fault? As you probably know, you’re not the only parent with these concerns, but you should also be aware that there are ways you can feel less stressed. One of the biggest reasons for stress is your child’s education. Every parent wants their child to thrive and be successful, and education plays a big role in determining your child’s future prospects in life. So, if you’re looking for the right school or trying to find the financial means to pay for your child’s tuition fees, here are some ways that can help you cope and be less anxious:
1. First of all, think about your child.
No matter how much you’re trying to keep your cool in front of your child, it’s inevitable for your child to feel stressed in return, especially if you’re constantly pushing your child to get better grades and achieve more. It’s fairly reasonable why you’re doing - after all, some of the most prestigious schools have very high requirements for their future students, but if your child is really struggling to get that top math grade, your pushing will just make him feel more anxious and less receptive to the actual knowledge. Children should be focused on learning and passing their exams, instead of fulfilling their parents’ dreams. So, if you’re really looking to send your child to a better learning institution, you should talk to your child beforehand and make him understand that his part of the job is to study and focus on getting good grades. No child will respond well to threats, blackmails and pressure.
2. Have an honest conversation with yourself.
This may be the most difficult step, but if you really want to feel less stressed, you need to sit down and have a sincere conversation with yourself (or a therapist, if you like). Why do you want to send your child to the best school out there? Is it really about his future or are you trying to fulfil your own dreams and ambition? The truth is, there’s nothing sadder than a parent that tries to push their child into a certain direction solely because they’re hoping a child would fulfil their own dreams that somehow didn’t come true. Now, it’s perfectly logical that you want your child to have opportunities that you didn’t have, but it’s also important to let your child make his own mistakes and learn from them. Motivating your child to do better is fine, but forcing him to do things he's not interested in, isn’t going to make him smarter or more successful. In case you’re struggling to calm down, you can try meditation for clearing your mind so you’ll be able to find the right answer and help your child and yourself.
3. Plan your finances.
Sending your kid to an exclusive private school costs a lot, and if you’re not earning huge amounts, trying to find financial means can be a source of a lot of stress. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and set some money aside that will be used as an initial payment, so your child can be ready to enrol immediately, in case he gets accepted. In case you’re in big financial destitution, you should know that there are places that offer excellent scholarships but your child also needs to meet certain criteria in order to qualify. Therefore, if you’re planning to focus on getting some help, you should motivate your child to do better at school in order to increase the chances of getting awarded with a scholarship.
4. Focus on after-school activities.
Your kid can only do so much in order to get good grades, and even if he does his best and studies all day, every day, there will always be a child that’s more dedicated, smarter and more well-adjusted. It’s a fact of life, and unless you have a little Elon Musk in the making, you need to accept that there are other kids that are also smart and deserving of a good education. But that’s not the reason to get stressed and depressed, because there are ways to make your child stand out. The key is to focus on after-school activities such as playing sports and nurturing his talents that aren’t directly related to school and studying. Every child has talent; the key is to find it and teach your child to be confident and proud of his achievements. You’ll also be less stressed knowing that your child is learning other things that can help him be a successful and well-rounded individual.
5. Talk to other parents.
Many ambitious parents see other parents (and their kids) as direct competition and obstacle to their own child’s success. Even though that can be the case to a degree, it’s crucial to know that networking with others can significantly help you feel less anxious. After all, everything’s better when you have others to lean on. You can talk to other parents and learn some new useful information, while your child can make new friends and learn to be more sociable.
Conclusion
Trying to provide your kid with better education can be very nerve-racking for the whole family, but you should also be aware that your child won’t be happier or more hard-working if you constantly push him to succeed without considering his abilities and desires. Always remember to keep the balance and focus on making your child a responsible, self-confident and self-reliant person.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. which soap is better tedibar or sebamed?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. no problem u can use anyone. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. Hi, are matte sunscreens suitable for oily skin? I am a new mother and I have to join office after my maternity leave, please suggest me a good one.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. Cetaphil SPF 50 sunscreen lotion is going to be a very good choice for you to use for your skin it’s one of the best things that you can currently use and I’m very certain it is going to be good for your skin options also otherwise if you want you can try consulting a dermatologist for that
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
3 hours ago
Q. can i use pain relief spray at time of pregancy
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
1 hour ago
A. yes
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. hi iam 13th week pregnant my mind is completely in pressure stress and I cried alott does this affect my baby or baby growth
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
1 hour ago
A. yes. mood swings are normal
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 8 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts 300 vochure
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. If you have any question concerning the parenting platform then please feel free to post your question once I know what are you willing to ask with all the necessary details associated it will be easier for me to give you appropriate help and response onto your question
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. My daughter (9months old) is not at all willing to drink aptamil and breast milk I am getting only 100 ml per day now. I have tried adding jaggery powder in aptamil but still she is not at all willing to drink.I tried to feed her with aptamil midnight when she was in deep sleep but still she woke up and started crying. I am not able to find any solution for this.Its been 2 days that I have started trying aptamil.So I will continue to try for another week and if she still doesn't drink can you suggest what can be done
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. For yourself I would recommend you Shatavari powder three times in the day to increase your lactation other than that since your child is six months complete you can give Amul Taaza milk to your child that is easier for the childhood digest and flavour is also good even if you want you can add some dry fruit powder saffron or turmeric for flavour change that’s also a good option to try these alternative
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