212 why children lose their hearing and what we can do
Cytomegalovirus
Most people with cytomegalovirus (CMV) are not sick. But babies
of mothers who become infected during pregnancy can have severe
deafness, blindness, or physical and mental disability. The germs that
spread CMV can be found in body fluids — like saliva, urine, stool,
semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. To prevent the spread of CMV,
wash hands with soap and water, especially after contact with stool,
urine, or saliva.
Brain damage during birth can cause hearing loss
If a baby suffers brain damage during labor or birth, he may be born
deaf. The baby’s brain can be damaged if there is not enough oxygen
reaching it. This is more likely to happen if labor is very long, if the baby
is in a difficult position for birth, or if there are twins.
To prevent brain damage during birth
Midwives and others caring for pregnant women can learn about the
danger signs during pregnancy and labor when a woman must get
medical help at a hospital. Community members can organize to make
sure there are ways to get women to the hospital if there is an emergency.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)