Serious Birth Injuries Can Cause Long-Term Hearing Loss

 Posted on January 21, 2022 in Birth Injury

Childbirth can be a difficult but joyous experience. However, when things do not go according to plan, complications can occur that may result in harm to the child or mother. Doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel must monitor the mother and infant carefully, ensuring the highest standard of medical care is met and taking quick and effective action to address any complications. 

Sometimes, the medical staff does not give their patients the care they need. When this happens during childbirth, the birth injuries that may result can have devastating long-term consequences. One of these consequences may be full or partial hearing loss. It is important to understand when improper medical care during childbirth can cause hearing loss. 

Common Causes of Infant Hearing Loss

Most cases of hearing loss in infants happen because of genetic factors, such as an inherited syndrome or a random genetic mutation. However, non-genetic hearing loss may be caused by a traumatic event or series of events during childbirth. Some common traumatic situations that can result in full or partial hearing loss include: 

• Jaundice - Although jaundice is a common and usually minor problem in infants, if it is not treated properly within the right amount of time, it can lead to sensorineural hearing loss. 

• Asphyxia - When a child’s brain receives insufficient oxygen during childbirth, permanent nerve damage to the inner ear can occur. 

• Infections - Certain infections that a mother can contract during pregnancy, such as cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, and rubella can cause issues in a child’s neural development. Likewise, during childbirth, herpes and group B streptococcus can be passed to a child. These infections can lead to meningitis, a serious brain inflammation that can lead to hearing loss. 

• Head trauma and injury - Head trauma can occur when a child’s head is too large to fit safely through the mother’s birth canal, or when a child is in the wrong position for delivery. Improper use of forceps and vacuum extraction can also cause head trauma. 

Meet with a Chicago, IL Birth Injuries Attorney

A child who has hearing loss from a young age will likely need extensive medical care and treatment throughout their life. This can include surgeries, implants, therapy, and special education needs. If your child is suffering from hearing loss because of an avoidable birth injury, you may be able to seek compensation from those who were responsible. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Cook County birth injury attorney with Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., call us today at 312-462-4200. 

Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/facts.html