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.
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.
People with this type of hearing loss have genetically 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 develop later in life.
Most common causes of hereditary 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:
Recognizing 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 specializes in pediatric audiology.
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.
At HearingLife, our hearing care professionals usually do not provide hearing care services for children. If a child is suspected of having congenital hearing loss, they should be evaluated by a healthcare provider specializing 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.
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.
Husmita has completed her PhD in Audiology degree specializing in hybrid hearing care models. She has worked in various roles within the audiology sector, from clinical audiologist, researcher, hearing aids and connectivity product trainer to working within the public and private hearing healthcare sectors. She is dedicated to helping more people hear better by applying person-centered care principles.
