Deafblindness can result from a variety of congenital (present at birth) and acquired (developed later in life) causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understanding these causes can help in early diagnosis and support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are details of some of the main causes of Deafblindness, in order of prevalence.<\/p>\n\n\n
Premature birth (before 37 weeks) can lead to underdeveloped organs, including the eyes and ears, resulting in sensory impairments.<\/p>\n
There is increased risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and hearing loss due to underdeveloped auditory and visual systems.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
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.<\/p>\n
The main criteria for CHARGE syndrome is considered by many to be:<\/p>\n
The main input senses of vision and hearing,\u00a0 as well as the vestibular and proprioceptive senses are usually impacted on for children with CHARGE syndrome.<\/p>\n
You can find out more about CHARGE syndrome on SENSE’s website here:<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/charge-syndrome\/what-is-charge-syndrome\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> This is a genetic condition that affects hearing, vision, and balance. You can find out more about Usher syndrome on SENSE’s website here:<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/usher-syndrome\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Infections such as rubella (German measles), toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be transmitted from mother to foetus. Down syndrome is a naturally occurring genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome.<\/p>\n There is an increased risk of hearing and vision problems, including congenital cataracts and conductive hearing loss.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
\nIt can result in progressive hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa, leading to night blindness and loss of peripheral vision.<\/p>\n
\nThese infections can cause congenital hearing loss and vision problems, including cataracts and retinal damage.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>