Definition of Congenital deafness

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Congenital deafness: Loss of hearing present at birth.

Congenital deafness contrasts to acquired deafness which occurs after birth.

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

Congenital deafness 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.

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.

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.
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• 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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