The most common type of deafness affecting newborns is associated with an abnormality of the auditory or hearing nerve.

A third of the time environmental factors such as intrauterine infections are the cause. Other causes include prematurity, lack of oxygen to the fetus, and the mother receiving certain medications while pregnant.

An increasing number of genetic causes have been uncovered. It has been estimated that genetic abnormalities are the cause of profound deafness in 30 to 50% of all patients. Over 45 genes have been identified as causes of deafness.

Treatment varies. Hearing aids are beneficial in patients with mild to moderate nerve deafness.

Cochlear implants are used in children with profound deafness. The FDA approved their use in adults in 1984 and in children in 1990.

However, they are not always a panacea. They are more effective when implanted by age 5 years.

After implantation a great deal of training is needed. The use of sign language is important along with utilizing speech and language pathologists and other speech professionals.