Causes of Congenital or Acquired Hearing Loss in Infants and Children

Hearing loss in children can be attributed to a variety of etiologies, and the cause is sometimes unknown. It may be congenital (i.e., present at birth) or acquired (i.e., develops after birth). Hearing loss due to genetic causes may present at birth or develop later in life.

Genetic Syndromes

Many genetic syndromes include hearing loss as one of the symptoms. In fact, 20% of babies with genetic hearing loss have a syndrome. Examples of genetic disorders that may include hearing loss as a symptom include;

• Alport Syndrome

• Charge Syndrome

• Crouzon Syndrome

• Down Syndrome

• Goldenhar Syndrome

• Pendred Syndrome

• Sickle Cell Disease

• Tay-Sachs Disease

• Treacher Collins Syndrome

• Usher Syndrome

• Waardenburg Syndrome

Congenital Hearing Loss

• The absence or malformation of parts of the outer and/or middle ear (Atresia, Stenosis)

• Anoxia (Lack of oxygen)

• Birth injuries

• Complications associated with the Rh factor in the blood/jaundice

• Hyperbilirubinemia

• Inner ear malformations

• Low birth weight

• Apgar score is low

• Maternal diabetes

• Maternal infections (Toxoplasma, Rubella, CMV, Herpes Simplex, Syphilis)

• Premature birth

• Ototoxic drugs used during pregnancy

• Toxins, including drugs and alcohol consumed by the mother during pregnancy

Acquired Hearing Loss

• Cerumen

• Ear infections (External otitis, Otitis media)

• Encephalitis

• Excessive noise exposure

• Head trauma (Traumatic brain injury, damage to middle or inner ear structures)

• Meningitis

• Ototoxic medications

• The presence of a foreign body

• Viral infection (Measles, Mumps, Chicken pox) If you are concerned about your child’s development and suspect hearing loss, make an appointment for a hearing test at our İskele Hearing Center in Cyprus.