Concerns About My Newborn’s Ears
I have a concern regarding my son, who is almost six weeks old. It seems that his ears have different shapes. Should I bring this up with his pediatrician? I want to avoid bombarding the pediatrician with unnecessary questions, as I sometimes feel anxious about his health. I’m currently seeing a therapist and taking medication to manage my anxiety. While I appreciate the insights from Reddit, I know it's not a substitute for professional medical care, and I prefer not to contact his doctor for every minor issue. He did pass his hearing test at birth and does react to loud sounds, but he hasn’t shown much interest in my voice or music just yet. I will include some photos in the comments for reference.
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 7:50:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to have concerns about your newborn's development, and it's good to be attentive to his health. Noticing differences in ear shapes can be concerning, but it's important to remember that variations can be normal and may not indicate a medical issue.
Explanation
Newborns often have unique features as they are still developing, and variations in ear shape are quite common. Since he passed his hearing test and reacts to loud sounds, these are positive signs regarding his hearing. Interest in sound can develop at different rates in infants, and while your baby may not show much interest in your voice yet, this could change as he continues to grow and experience his environment.
Next Steps
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Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on his ears. Look for any signs of discomfort, redness, or discharge, which could warrant a conversation with his pediatrician.
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Discuss at Next Visit: When you have your next appointment with the pediatrician, it can be a good time to mention your observations about his ears. You can also bring up any anxiety you feel about his health overall. It’s perfectly fine to ask questions, and pediatricians are accustomed to parents wanting to ensure their baby's well-being.
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Keep a Log: Consider keeping a simple log of your child's reactions to sounds and any other developments over the next few weeks. This can provide helpful context for the pediatrician.
It's understandable to feel anxious about your child’s health, but remember that you are doing your best by being observant and proactive. Discussing your concerns with a professional will give you the reassurance you need. If you feel overwhelmed, continue to communicate your feelings with your therapist, as this can help alleviate some of your anxious thoughts.
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