What percentage of deaf under 18 are born with it?

Answer 1

The answer to this question will begin with a simply explanation of the term "deaf." Deaf or deafness is sometimes used inappropriately for any amount of hearing loss. However, deafness really refers to hearing loss that is so great that hearing aids provide little or no help with communication. Most persons with hearing loss can hear some sounds and, therefore, are more appropriately referred to as "hard of hearing", or "hearing impaired" rather than deaf.

Approximately 3 children out of every 1000 are born with severe-to-profound hearing loss, that is, the amount of hearing loss often referred to as deafness. The prevalence of congenital hearing loss (present at birth) increases up to 6/1000 if all amounts of hearing loss are taken into account, including hearing loss only in one ear. Recent studies show that the prevalence of hearing loss increases in childhood so that up to 14% of all teenagers have some degree of difficulty hearing. Different factors account for the increase in childhood hearing loss with age, among them risk indicators for delayed onset and progressive hearing loss plus preventable causes such as exposure to excessively loud sounds.

Hearing in infants and young children is essential for the development of speech and language skills, communication, and learning. The impact of hearing loss on the acquisition of speech and language begins within the first 6 months after birth, before a child has even uttered a single word. Early hearing loss detection and intervention (EHDI) has expanded greatly within the past 15 to 20 years. EHDI programs are now in place throughout the United States and in many developed countries to find as soon as possible infants and young children with any amount of hearing loss, and to provide prompt and appropriate intervention for the hearing loss. A large body of research confirms the benefits of early intervention for hearing loss. With early and appropriate intervention, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and auditory therapy, any child with any degree of hearing loss can develop normal speech and language abilities.