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.
Data sources: 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.