2 perfect ears

In our State, they automatically test all infants for hearing at birth and Holly failed. Of course we freaked out a little about this, but our doctor was quick to point out that many infants DO fail because of excessive fluid in the ear they retain from their watery home. She was scheduled today for an appointment with a specialist and I'm happy to report that her little ears are just as perfect on the inside as they are on the outside. A number of folks also want to know how they test a baby's hearing and I'm here to tell you...

They placed 3 little electrodes on Holly's forehead and neck. Then (one at a time) they put little pink plastic ear muffs on her ears. The computer makes a 35 decibel sound in her ear and they monitor her brain stem for a response. Of course, movement can also cause the same response so they wanted her to stay as still as possible. Luckily Holly cooperated with this one like a trooper. She was pretty much asleep when we arrived but woke up when they put the things on her forehead. She smiled at the doctor and promptly drifted off again.

This photo has nothing to do with that visit. But it's awfully cute, isn't it? I'd also like to send out a shout out to our friend Kristen who is in labor right now (and has been since early yesterday). We're thinking of you and wishing you all the best!