What is congenital hearing loss?
Congenital hearing loss is a condition present at birth, where an individual has impaired hearing or is deaf from the time of their birth. This type of hearing loss can be caused by genetic factors, prenatal exposure to infections (such as rubella or cytomegalovirus), complications during childbirth, or certain maternal health conditions. Congenital hearing loss can range from mild to profound, and its impact on a person's life may vary. Early detection through newborn hearing screening programs allows for timely intervention, including the fitting of hearing aids or cochlear implants, and early intervention services like speech therapy to support language development. Management and support strategies depend on the degree of hearing loss and its specific causes.