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Can my baby's hearing be damaged?

by Dr Howard Lee

question
I am now 34 weeks pregnant and worried because - according to literature I've read - my baby should be responding to loud noises it hears by now. I have not noticed my baby respond to any loud noise in this way and I'm concerned that his or her hearing might be damaged.

Is it possible for hearing to be damaged whilst in the womb? I have had a few episodes throughout my pregnancy when I have been near one-off very loud noises and I'm concerned that this might have damaged my baby's hearing.

answer

There is well-recognised damage to the hearing of the foetus/unborn baby as a result of various 'intrauterine infections' - particularly the Rubella/German Measles virus. It is also true that a response to external sounds can sometimes be demonstrated. However, there is considerable protection afforded to your baby's hearing by the presence of the fluid of the amniotic sac as well as the tissues of your uterine wall, abdominal muscles and skin, etc.

'Response' is one thing, but 'damage' is another - the chances of harm occurring to the eardrums of your baby from even a very loud external source is most unlikely. I am sure that you have no real cause for concern.

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