Overview and Facts about Congenital Hearing Loss
Congenital hearing loss is an inability to hear that is present at birth and is one of the most common chronic conditions that affect children. However, congenital hearing loss can also appear later in life.
When the condition is genetic, the genes that cause this type of hearing loss can come from one or both parents.
Signs and Symptoms of Congenital Hearing Loss
Although both parents may hear perfectly well, one or both of them may still carry a gene that can cause hearing loss in their baby.
Additionally, some infants may have a genetic syndrome that can cause their hearing loss. Possible syndromes include the following:
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Usher syndrome
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Down syndrome
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Treacher Collins syndrome
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Crouzon syndrome
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Waardenburg syndrome
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Alport syndrome
Causes and Risk Factors of Congenital Hearing Loss
There are two causes of congenital hearing loss. The first is genetic or hereditary hearing loss, which accounts for around 75% of congenital hearing loss.
Meanwhile, non-genetic hearing loss accounts for around 25% of congenital hearing loss. Causes of non-genetic congenital hearing loss include:
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Low or premature birth weight
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Malformation of the cochlea
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Maternal infections or gestational diabetes
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Anorexia or toxemia during pregnancy
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Enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome
Tests and Diagnosis of Congenital Hearing Loss
In the United States, all infants are screened for congenital hearing loss before they leave the hospital. The tests are non-invasive.
The Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) test determines the status of the cochlea, and the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test determines how the cochlea and the pathways for hearing are working.
Treatment and Care of Congenital Hearing Loss
Treatment for congenital hearing loss will depend on the type and severity of the loss of hearing and will be conducted by an otolaryngology specialist, or ENT doctor. Left untreated, congenital hearing loss could lead to delays in a child’s speech and development of language.
Children who have mild to moderate hearing loss in one or both ears will benefit from hearing aids.
For more severe hearing loss, hearing aids are usually not enough to help. This is because hearing aids can make sounds louder but cannot clear the distortion caused by congenital hearing loss.
If hearing aids are not working for your child, your doctor may recommend a cochlear implant. This is an electronic device which mimics natural hearing by converting sound waves to electrical impulses.
