Teratogenic hearing loss: a clinical perspective.
OBJECTIVE
The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing recently published a series of indicators that place a neonate at risk for hearing loss. Included among these risk factors are environmental teratogens capable of negatively impacting the developing auditory system. This article serves to revisit and update potential environmental teratogens. The characteristic clinical presentation with audiometric, electrophysiologic, and temporal bone findings as well as available treatment options are discussed.


METHODS
A Medline search encompassing the latter half of this century was undertaken to review pertinent literature regarding infectious, chemical, physical, and maternal teratogens and their impact on hearing impairment.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention and early recognition of environmental teratogenic exposure play a critical role in the reduction of childhood hearing loss and deafness. The importance of longitudinal follow-up in these patients is stressed.
Dyer
J J
JJ
Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine, Norfolk 23507, USA.
Strasnick
B
B
Jacobson
J T
JT
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D004423:Ear / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000196:embryology; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D013723:Teratogens
D013723:Teratogens