Is my child at risk for hearing loss?

• Infections (CMV, herpes, rubella, syphilis, and toxoplasmosis)
• Newborns with stays in intensive care longer than 5 days
• Newborns requiring transfusions for jaundice
• Children with syndromes or differences in the shape of the head/face
• Certain chemotherapy treatments or medications used to treat severe infections are toxic to the hearing system.
• A family history of childhood hearing loss may indicate a genetic hearing loss

This is not a complete list of all of the conditions that can be associated with hearing loss. If you have questions about whether your child is at risk for hearing loss, ask your pediatrician, family doctor, or an audiologist. Remember, your child’s hearing can be tested at any age. 

Hearing and Language Websites

Boys Town has created in-depth websites to help parents, caregivers, educators and others caring for children who have been newly diagnosed as Deaf or hard-of-hearing and for individuals of all ages with speech-language concerns.