Facts about
deafness
This page provides some key information about causes of deafness,
degrees of deafness, types of deafness, the number of deaf children in
the UK and the impact deafness has on a child’s ability to communicate.
What causes deafness?
There is no single cause of deafness in children.
Some children are born with deafness and in other cases they become deaf at some point after their birth. In some cases, the cause of deafness can be easy to determine. Heredity, high fevers, illnesses such as meningitis, complications during pregnancy or childbirth are some possible causes. There may also be several other factors that contributed.
In many other cases, the cause is more difficult to determine and may never be discovered. Perhaps there is no apparent reason for deafness. In such cases, the cause is listed as “unknown”.
A child’s degree of deafness (mild, moderate, severe or profound) may also be different in their left ear compared with their right ear, and the degree of deafness in each ear may change over time for a range of reasons.
Key facts about deafness
3-4 babies are born deaf every day in the UK
Every year around 1,000 babies are born in the UK with severe to profound deafness, with many more babies born with mild to moderate deafness
6,500-7,000 deaf children
There are estimated to be around 6,500-7,000 children aged under 5 years with severe to profound deafness in the UK.
Degrees of deafness
Sound is measured in decibels (dB) and the amount of deafness someone has is classed as mild, moderate, severe or profound depending on the quietest sound they are able to hear:
Profound deafness
able to hear sounds above 90dB of loudness
Severe deafness
able to hear sounds in 70-90dB range
Moderate deafness
able to hear sounds in 40-69dB range
Mild deafness
able to hear sounds in 21-39dB range
Normal hearing levels
able to hear sounds up to 20dB
Types of deafness
There are three main types of deafness: conductive, sensorineural and mixed. It is quite common for the degree of deafness – and even the type of deafness – to vary from one ear to the other.
This type of deafness is the result of an issue in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound vibrations from being conducted (or transmitted) to the inner ear.
Conductive hearing loss can often be temporary in nature, whereas sensorineural deafness (see below)
is permanent.
This is a general term for one of these types of issues affecting the sensory or neural pathway:
- Sensory deafness – this is the result of issue affecting the inner ear that prevents the cochlea from sensing sound or turning it into an electrical signal.
- Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder – this is the result of the electrical signals failing to be transferred or interpreted effectively by the brain.
Sensorineural deafness is permanent, whereas conductive deafness (see above) can be temporary.
This type of deafness is the result of a combination of both a sensory loss and conductive loss.
Deafness affects children’s communication
Having any degree of deafness can significantly affect a child’s ability to develop speech and language skills, as this process typically involves learning through listening, all day and everyday. However, this impact will vary considerably from child to child.
The earlier their deafness is identified, the earlier children can receive appropriate hearing technology and benefit from targeted intervention during the crucial preschool years to help them learn to listen and talk.
Technology and early intervention can help
With modern technology and appropriate intervention during their early years (such as the services offered at The Elizabeth Foundation), most deaf children with all degrees and types of deafness can – and do – learn to communicate clearly and effectively with spoken language.
We support parents with information and guidance so that they can make their own informed choices about which communication approach is right for their child and their family’s unique situation.
Deaf Awareness Week
Deaf Awareness Week takes place at the start of May each year, and is organised by the UK Council on Deafness.
The week raises public awareness of the D/deaf community by promoting understanding of the Deaf community, advocating for equality, celebrating Deaf identity, educating others on how they can support D/deaf individuals, and removing barriers to create a more inclusive society so individuals with all degrees of deafness have the opportunity to thrive.