How does Deafness Occur?
Deafness caused during pregnancy or at birth is called congenital deafness. Defects as the foetus develops sometimes produce congenital conductive deafness. Most cases of deafness at birth are sensori-neural and are due to German measles (rubella) affecting the mother in early pregnancy. Rubella may also cause other defects in the baby apart from deafness. Less frequently, other infections or complications of pregnancy and birth may cause deafness. Acquired deafness in children is most often due to fluid forming in the middle ear. This condition can be successfully treated and is due to poor function of the Eustachian tube, a channel which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. The commonest cause of deafness in adults is called presbycusis. It is due to degeneration of the cochlea (inner ear) as part of the ageing process. There are many other causes of acquired deafness and these include wax, injury, infections, rare tumours, some drugs and Meni re’s disease. Why does the d
