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Prevention of pre- and perinatal acquired hearing defects, Part I: Study of causes
1ENT Department, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
Insights
This review explores prenatal and perinatal factors causing acquired hearing loss in infants. Understanding these causes is crucial for effective prevention and early intervention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Prenatal and perinatal factors significantly contribute to acquired hearing loss in newborns.
- Recent literature highlights various origins, including infections, toxins, and birth complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the primary causes of prenatal and perinatal acquired hypoacusis.
- To consolidate current knowledge on the incidence, diagnosis, and management of infant hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific publications.
- Systematic analysis of causes, clinical signs, and diagnostic methods.
- Examination of anatomo-pathological and physiopathological aspects.
Main Results:
- Identified viral, bacterial, parasitic, endocrinologic, and toxic factors as key prenatal causes.
- Highlighted prematurity, neonatal hypoxia, and birth trauma as major perinatal contributors.
- Detailed audiologic diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive understanding of acquired hypoacusis origins is vital for prevention.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing hearing loss in infants.
- Further research into specific etiologies can improve outcomes.
Abstract:
After recalling some notions of embryology, the authors review in the light of recent literature the main causes of prenatal acquired hypoacusias (of viral, bacterial, parasitic, endocrinologic, toxic or other origins) and of perinatal acquired hypoacusias (prematurity, neonatal hypoxia, obstetrical traumatism, nuclear icterus, toxicity and others) by following a systematic course (incidence, clinical signs in the mother and child, audiologic diagnosis, anatamopathology, physiopathology, prevention, and treatment).