Today infant hearing screenings can often detect a problem before your baby leaves the hospital. However, if your baby passes this initial screening, you may see signs of possible hearing loss at a later time. It is important to observe your child’s behavior at each milestone of their development. If you see your child isn't reaching those milestones, discuss it with your pediatrician. Identifying abnormalities in early phases of development plays a central role for early detection of a hearing impairment. 

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Causes of Hearing Loss in Children

There are many causes of childhood hearing loss. Primary factors are high-risk pregnancies, various infectious diseases, use of certain medications, alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy. Although less common, hereditary irregularities and infant meningitis are also possible causes.



Issues which can play a role before, during or shortly after birth:
• Weight at birth below 1500g (3.3 lbs) and/or birth before the 32nd week of pregnancy
• Lack of oxygen or respiratory standstill
• Administration of ototoxic medicines (loop diuretics, aminoglycosides)
• Mechanical birth injuries

In approximately 50% of all children with hearing loss, the hearing loss occurs after birth.
Examples are:
• Babies and children afflicted with bacterial meningitis or encephalitis
• After severe cases of measles or mumps
• After accidents or physical trauma
• Following chemotherapy
• After chronic ear inflammations
• Children who suffer from certain syndromes