Causes of Hearing Loss in Newborns

The majority of people living with hearing impairments developed the condition over time, often in adulthood. However, some people develop hearing loss much earlier, and some are even born with hearing disabilities. Between 1 and 6 infants per 1,000 are born with some degree of hearing loss in the US, usually to hearing parents. Unfortunately, hearing loss in newborns can have many different causes.

If your child has been diagnosed with a hearing impairment of any kind, there is no need to panic or lose hope. People born with hearing loss can overcome many obstacles, especially with the help of medical interventions. To learn about competitively priced hearing aids for children, or to find an audiologist in your area, call the hearing aid experts of HearingPlanet at 1-800-432-7669.

Genetic Causes of Hearing Loss

There are over 400 known genetic conditions that can cause hearing loss in newborns; naturally, we cannot name all of them here. Depending on the nature of the condition, one or both parents may need to carry it in order to pass it on to the child. A hearing person can still carry the genes for a hearing condition, so two hearing parents can still have a genetically deaf child.

Common genetic hearing conditions are Usher Syndrome, certain bone abnormalities, Waardenburg syndrome, and Stickler Syndrome. Fortunately, many can be treated with certain procedures and the use of a hearing aid.

Non-Genetic Causes of Hearing Loss

Even if neither parent carries genes for a hearing condition, their child may still be born with a hearing impairment. Potential non-genetic causes of hearing loss include:

• The mother suffering an infection during pregnancy (most often cytomegalovirus)
• The child suffering an infection shortly after birth (most often meningitis)
• Exposure to very loud noises at certain stages of pregnancy or shortly after birth

Most of these conditions are not reparable with medicine or surgery. However, many people with these conditions benefit from the use of hearing aids or other technology.

Contact a Hearing Aid Specialist

HearingPlanet provides a variety of helpful services to adults with hearing loss and parents of hearing-impaired children. To speak with one of our experienced hearing aid professionals, contact us today at 1-800-432-7669.