Definition of Acquired deafness

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Acquired deafness: The loss of hearing that occurs or develops some time during a person's life but was not present at birth.

Acquired deafness contrasts to congenital deafness which is present at birth.

The distinction between acquired and congenital deafness specifies only the time that the deafness appears. It does not specify whether the cause of the deafness is genetic (inherited).

Acquired deafness may or may not be genetic. For example, it may be a manifestation of a delayed-onset form of genetic deafness. Or acquired deafness may be due to damage to the ear from noise.

Congenital deafness similarly may or may not be genetic. For example, it may be associated with a white forelock and be caused by a genetic disease called Waardenburg syndrome. Or congenital deafness may be due to something such as the rubella virus to which the mother was exposed during pregnancy.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Detecting Hearing Loss in Children - Read about tests used for identifying hearing loss in children, treatment information, causes, risk factors and signs of hearing impairment, and learn about degrees of hearing loss.
• Vertigo - Learn about vestibular balance disorders including the symptoms caused by balance disorders, causes, how balance disorders are evaluated, and treatment
• Newborn Infant Hearing Screening - Find out how and when newborn infant hearing screening is done, and learn what to do if hearing impairment or deafness is detected.

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