What is the primary cause of hearing loss in newborns?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the primary cause of hearing loss in newborns because it is one of the most common infectious causes of congenital sensorineural hearing loss. CMV infection during pregnancy can lead to a range of severe outcomes in infants, with hearing impairment being one of the most frequent complications.

The impact of CMV on the audiological health of newborns is significant. Even infants who appear healthy at birth can develop hearing loss later, making early detection and monitoring essential. CMV is widely recognized for its subtle, progressive nature in relation to hearing loss, distinguishing it from other conditions.

While congenital rubella, congenital toxoplasmosis, and Group B streptococcus sepsis can also have serious health implications, including some risk of hearing loss, their overall incidence and role specifically in hearing impairment are less significant compared to CMV. Congenital rubella can cause hearing loss but is now less common due to vaccination efforts, whereas toxoplasmosis primarily affects neurological development. Group B streptococcus sepsis is more associated with severe infection and mortality rather than long-term auditory issues.