Among nongenetic causes, which infection is the leading cause of congenital sensorineural hearing loss?

• A Rubella
• B Toxoplasmosis
• C Congenital syphilis
• D Congenital cytomegalovirus ✓

Explanation

Congenital cytomegalovirus is the most common nongenetic cause of congenital sensorineural hearing loss and the most common overall infectious cause. The loss is frequently progressive and may be delayed, so infants with known cCMV require serial audiological surveillance even if newborn screening passes. Rubella was historically important but has become rare after vaccination, and toxoplasmosis and syphilis cause hearing loss less often.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.