1. Rubella

• between 1963 - 65 : 40 - 80% (North American)
• visual problems, heart defects
• adults - 25 years old

2. Heredity

• leading cause of deafness throughout this century : 50 - 60%
• occurs in 1/2,000
• 90% of genetic deafness : carried by a recessive gene
• fewer defects

3. Premature Birth

• lack of oxygen and cerebral hemorrhage which can damage the nervous system

4. Complications of Rh Factor

• blood type incompatibility between mother (-) and the child (+)
• 80% - partial hearing loss
• 50% - cerebral palsy

5. Meningitis

• high number at age four - males - 4 to 10 times than in females