Congenitalhearing lossmeans you are born with partial or complete hearing loss.
The treatment can vary by the cause but may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, or sign language.
In newborns, symptoms are difficult to notice, which is why postnatal hearing screening tests are so important.
Verywell / Julie Bang
The most common cause of congenital hearing loss is genetic.
Genes play a role in the formation of the hearing organs as well as the nerve pathways.
Well over 100 deafness genes have been identified.
It is recommended that babies be screened within the first month of life.
Most newborn babies born in hospitals are screened within a few days of birth.
How Is Congenital Hearing Loss Treated?
It may be resulting from genetics, birth complications, maternal infection, and other conditions.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Hearing loss at birth (congenital hearing loss).
Korver AM, Smith RJ, Van Camp G, et al.Congenital hearing loss.Nat Rev Dis Primers.
