Deafness is a condition where the affected person has a hearing impairment and may face communication difficulties.

It can affect people of all ages and can arise from various causes including age-related factors, exposure to loud noise, genetic factors, injuries, and infections. Some childhood illnesses can also lead to deafness. In this article, we will explore the top childhood illnesses that can lead to deafness.

1. Meningitis

Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by bacterial or viral infections. This illness can lead to deafness in one or both ears.

The infection can damage the inner ear, cochlea, or auditory nerve. The risk of deafness is higher if the person is diagnosed late, or if they have severe meningitis. Meningitis can also cause other complications such as brain damage, seizures, and learning difficulties.

2. Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that primarily affects children. It spreads through airborne droplets that are released when an infected person talks, sneezes, or coughs.

Measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and deafness. The virus can damage the auditory nerve or the cochlea, leading to hearing loss. The risk of deafness is higher in children who contract measles before they are one year old. Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease and its complications.

3. Rubella

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral illness that causes a rash and fever. It is usually a mild illness but can lead to severe complications in pregnant women, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).

CRS is a condition that affects fetuses when their mothers contract rubella during pregnancy. It can cause several birth defects, including deafness. The virus can damage the developing ears of the fetus, leading to hearing loss later in life. Vaccination is the best way to prevent rubella and CRS.

4. Ototoxic Medications

Some medications can have side effects that can damage the inner ear and cause deafness. These medications are known as ototoxic medications. They include antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and some painkillers.

The risk of deafness is higher if the person takes high doses of these medications or takes them for a prolonged period. The exact mechanism of how these medications cause deafness is not clear, but it is thought to be due to the medication’s toxicity to the hair cells in the inner ear.

5. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can cause mild illness in healthy people but can lead to severe complications in newborns or people with weakened immune systems. CMV is a leading cause of deafness in children.

The virus can damage the inner ear or the auditory nerve, leading to hearing loss. CMV infection can also cause other complications such as vision loss, seizures, and intellectual disabilities.

Pregnant women should take precautions to prevent CMV infection, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding close contact with young children who may carry the virus.

6. Influenza

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Influenza can lead to severe complications in some people, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and deafness.

The virus can damage the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. The risk of deafness is higher in children who have severe influenza or who develop complications such as pneumonia. Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its complications.

7. Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilis can cause a wide range of symptoms and complications, including deafness.

The bacterium can damage the inner ear or the auditory nerve, leading to hearing loss. Syphilis can also cause other complications such as blindness, heart problems, and dementia. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, but if it is left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage to the body.

8. Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a viral illness that causes a rash and fever. It is usually a mild illness but can lead to severe complications in some people, including deafness. The virus can damage the inner ear or the auditory nerve, leading to hearing loss.

The risk of deafness is higher in children who develop complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis. Vaccination is the best way to prevent chickenpox and its complications.

9. Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. It causes severe coughing spells that can last for weeks.

Whooping cough can lead to complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and deafness. The bacterium can damage the inner ear or the auditory nerve, leading to hearing loss. The risk of deafness is higher in children who have severe whooping cough or who develop complications such as pneumonia.

10. Herpes

Herpes is a viral infection that can affect various parts of the body, including the ears. Herpes can cause a condition called herpes zoster oticus, also known as Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

This condition can cause symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and facial paralysis. The virus can damage the auditory nerve or the cochlea, leading to hearing loss. Herpes can also cause other complications such as blindness, neurological problems, and encephalitis.

Conclusion

Deafness can be caused by various factors, including childhood illnesses. Meningitis, measles, rubella, ototoxic medications, CMV, influenza, syphilis, chickenpox, whooping cough, and herpes are some of the childhood illnesses that can lead to deafness.

Some of these illnesses are preventable through vaccination and taking precautions to avoid STIs. Early diagnosis and treatment of childhood illnesses can reduce the risk of deafness and other complications.