Understanding Potential Health Concerns After Birth Trauma in Newborns

Question
Hi Cheri,
It's Rachel again...regarding my nephew's condition. I went to the hospital today and he still hasnt opened his eyes but aside from that, I have now found out that he failed all three hearing tests that were done and the shape of his ears (on the top) look different. Could this mean anything? He doesnt react to sound like they want him to. Is this another common symptom of his trauma? Or could this mean that he is deaf? Still worried...

Answer
Hello Rachel- the birth trauma could possibly have caused swelling inside his ear canals- if so, it should fade away with time. However, there is always the chance that something congenital is wrong- when there are ear defects, there are often also kidney defects- because the ears and kidneys form at the same time during embryo development. All of this IS worrying, but only time and testing will give you answers. All the best- Cheri.