Which Teratogen Causes Deafness?

Deafness is almost certain if the mother has German measles

before the 11th week of prenatal development

prenatal development

Prenatal development is the process that occurs during the 40 weeks prior to the birth of a child. There are three stages of prenatal development: germinal, embryonic, and fetal. Prenatal development is also organized into three equal trimesters, which do not correspond with the three stages.

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Prenatal Development | Boundless Psychology

and can also cause brain damage. Women in the United States are much less likely to be afflicted with rubella, because most women received childhood vaccinations that protect her from the disease.

What causes fetal deafness?

Infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis and herpes can cause a child to be born deaf. There are also a range of medicines, known as ototoxic drugs, which can damage a baby's hearing system before birth.

What is the main cause of congenital deafness?

About 1 in 4 cases of congenital hearing loss are non-genetic. These are most often caused by illness or trauma before birth or during birth. Maternal exposure to different types of drugs and medications can also cause non-hereditary congenital hearing loss, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.