Causes of Deafblindness

Premature birth (before 37 weeks) can lead to underdeveloped organs, including the eyes and ears, resulting in sensory impairments.

There is increased risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and hearing loss due to underdeveloped auditory and visual systems.

This is a complex genetic condition referring to a set of specific physical and sensory features. The name is an acronym of what was considered to be common features of the condition, including: Coloboma of the eye; Heart defects; Atresia choanae; Restricted growth; Genital abnormalities; Ear abnormalities and deafness.

The main criteria for CHARGE syndrome is considered by many to be:

• Coloboma
• Choanal atresia
• Ear abnormalities
• Cranial nerve dysfunction

The main input senses of vision and hearing,  as well as the vestibular and proprioceptive senses are usually impacted on for children with CHARGE syndrome.

You can find out more about CHARGE syndrome on SENSE’s website here:

https://www.sense.org.uk/information-and-advice/conditions/charge-syndrome/what-is-charge-syndrome/

This is a genetic condition that affects hearing, vision, and balance.
It can result in progressive hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa, leading to night blindness and loss of peripheral vision.

You can find out more about Usher syndrome on SENSE’s website here:

https://www.sense.org.uk/information-and-advice/conditions/usher-syndrome/

Infections such as rubella (German measles), toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be transmitted from mother to foetus.
These infections can cause congenital hearing loss and vision problems, including cataracts and retinal damage.

Down syndrome is a naturally occurring genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome.

There is an increased risk of hearing and vision problems, including congenital cataracts and conductive hearing loss.

This is a group of disorders affecting movement and muscle tone, often caused by damage to the developing brain.

It can include sensory impairments such as hearing and vision loss due to neurological damage.

This can be caused by damage from meningitis, encephalitis, stroke, or severe head injury.
It can result in sensory impairments, including hearing and vision loss.