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Nongenetic causes of hearing loss

by S.A. Raver
Source: Pearson Allyn Bacon Prentice Hall
Topics: Speech and Language Issues, Hearing Health and Disorders, Childhood Infections

Hearing loss falls into two causal categories: nongenetic and genetic (Andrews et al., 2004). The most common nongenetic causes are infections, Rh incompatibility, ototoxic drugs, prematurity, and noise-induced hearing loss, although noise-induced hearing losses are rarely found in children. The table below lists some of the characteristics of common nongenetic causes of hearing loss.

Etiology Insult Possible Outcomes
Rubella Eye, ear, brain, heart Deaf-blindness, learning disabilities, idiosyncratic effect on residual hearing, impulsivity, distractibility
Meningitis Ear, brain Severe hearing loss, possible aphasia, distractibility, possible effect on vestibular system
Congenital toxoplasmosis Eye, ear, brain Eye scarring, microcephaly, seizures, stable or progressive hearing loss, motor and cognitive delays
Erythroblastosis fetalis Ear, brain Hearing loss, seizures, cerebral palsy, possible language problems
Ototoxic drugs Ear, brain Fetal alcohol syndrome; conductive or sensorineural hearing loss; mental retardation; learning, behavioral, and emotional difficulties
Prematurity Eye, ear, brain Vision impairments, hearing loss, cognitive and motor delays
Cytomegalovirus Ear, eye brain Hearing loss, hyperactivity, learning disabilities, motor difficulties, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, emotional problems
HIV Ear, brain Hearing loss, developmental delays

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