Congenital hearing loss means a person is born with hearing loss. It can be inherited from family (genetic) or caused by factors during pregnancy or birth.
Today, most newborns are screened for hearing loss. However, if the hearing loss is mild, affects only one ear, or develops gradually, it may not be detected right away. As a result, some children and adults may have lived with hearing loss for years without knowing it.
Congenital hearing loss types and causes
There are two types of congenital hearing loss: hereditary and non-hereditary. It can sometimes be challenging to identify which one is the cause. It is believed that genetic issues are responsible for more than half of congenital hearing loss cases.
Below are the most common causes of hereditary and non-hereditary congenital hearing loss.
Hereditary congenital hearing loss
People with this type of hearing loss inherited it from their parents. In fact, many forms of congenital hearing loss are genetic. This transmission causes a loss of functionality in the hearing organs, and symptoms can present themselves at birth or even develop later in life.
Most common causes of hereditary hearing loss:
- Down syndrome
- Usher syndrome
- Treacher Collins syndrome
- Crouzon syndrome
- Alport syndrome
- Waardenburg syndrome
Non-hereditary congenital hearing loss
In general, 4 out of 5 babies (80%) with hearing loss have a genetic cause for their hearing loss, while the rest will have non-genetic cause or a combination of factors. 1
Most common causes of non-hereditary congenital hearing loss:
- Maternal infections such as rubella/measles, cytomegalovirus, or herpes simplex virus
- Prematurity
- Low birth weight
- Birth injuries
- Toxins consumed by the mother during pregnancy including drugs and alcohol
- Complications associated with the Rhesus factor in the blood, which causes jaundice
- Maternal diabetes
Can congenital hearing loss be cured?
Typical treatments for congenital hearing loss include:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Auditory brainstem implants
Can congenital hearing loss be cured?
While there is no cure for congenital hearing loss, early detection and treatment can prevent speech and other developmental delays. Treatments such as hearing aids are helping children and adults live happy, healthy lives.
Congenital hearing loss treatment for children
At HearingLife, our hearing care professionals do not provide hearing care services for children. If a child is suspected of having congenital hearing loss, they must be evaluated by a healthcare provider specialising in pediatric audiology.
If hearing aids are determined to be the most appropriate form of support, they can be fitted from a very young age. Treatment decisions should be made in close consultation with the medical doctor, taking into account factors such as the child’s age, personality, developmental stage, degree of hearing loss, as well as the preferences and budget of the parents. In many cases, a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid is recommended, as it can be more easily fitted and adjusted as the child grows.
Early detection matters
Recognising hearing loss in infants and young children can be challenging. However, identifying and managing congenital hearing loss early is crucial for a child’s language development, learning, and social well-being.
Ideally, treatment should begin before the child reaches 6 months of age. Even if congenital hearing loss is not diagnosed until adulthood, seeking treatment remains important for overall communication and quality of life.
If hearing loss is suspected, it is essential to have the child evaluated by a healthcare provider who specialises in pediatric audiology.
Sources
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). A parent's guide to genetics and hearing loss. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
2. World Health Organization. (2016). Childhood hearing loss: Strategies for prevention and care. World Health Organization.
