Risk Factors for Hearing Loss in Infants and Children

• Family history of childhood hearing loss
   
• Premature birth
   
• Required care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
   
• Elevated bilirubin levels requiring transfusion
   
• Serious infections, such as meningitis or cytomegalovirus (CMV) at a young age
   
• An abnormality in the shape of the ear or head
   
• Certain genetic conditions such as Ushers, Down’s or Waardenburg’s syndromes