Some babies are born with medical conditions that are associated with hearing loss. A child who has any of these conditions is at risk for hearing loss and should have a hearing test.
Some babies develop medical complications which increase their chance of developing hearing loss.
Babies or older children who have had bacterial meningitis are also at risk for hearing loss. In addition, some medications, which are typically used to treat severe infections, are known to be toxic to the hearing system. There are other conditions associated with hearing loss besides those briefly covered here. If you have questions about whether your child is at risk for hearing loss, ask your pediatrician, family doctor or an audiologist. Your child's hearing can be tested at any age.