Congenital deafness

Deafness: Loss of hearing present at birth.</P> Congenital deafness contrasts to acquired deafness which occurs after birth.</P> The distinction between congenital and acquired deafness specifies only the time that the deafness appears.

It does not specify whether the cause of the deafness is genetic (inherited).</P> Congenital deafness may or may not be genetic.

For example, it may be associated with a white forelock and be caused by a genetic disease called Waardenburg syndrome.

Or congenital deafness may be due to something such as the rubella virus to which the mother was exposed during pregnancy.</P> Acquired deafness may or may not be genetic.

For example, it may be a manifestation of a delayed-onset form of genetic deafness.

Or acquired deafness may be due to damage to the ear from noise.