Is congenital deafness hereditary or a birth defect?
Congenital deafness–deafness at birth–can be caused by genetics, heredity, or a birth defect. Deafness can be inherited; it is carried by a recessive gene and both parents must be “carriers.” As a result, hereditary deafness is rare. Deafness resulting from a “birth defect” or anomaly is far more common. It can be caused by a number of factors, including rubella and other diseases. The advent of antibiotic medications has eradicated many of these causes in the U.S., though many cases still occur in developing countries.
