WHO ARE THE INFANTS AT RISK?

According to Johannesburg paediatrician Dr Nicoletta Hay:

• Babies who have post-birth infections associated with hearing loss, such as bacterial meningitis.

• Those who had problems at birth, including extreme prematurity, jaundice or breathing problems requiring long-term ventilation.

• Infants who suffer from conditions known to cause progressive hearing loss.

• Those who have been subjected to head trauma.

• Infants who have had frequent ear infections with fluid build-up lasting more than three months.

• Babies with a family history of hearing loss.

• Those who encountered infections during pregnancy, such as herpes, German measles, syphilis and toxoplasmosis.