Predisposing Factors for Congenital Hearing Loss: A Comprehensive Systematic Review.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review of non-randomized observational studies
PubMed 42223301 · doi:10.4274/tao.2025.2025-7-7
What was done
A systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42022372879; PRISMA 2020 and PRISMA-S guidelines) was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar to evaluate predisposing factors for congenital hearing loss. Included studies were observational (cohort, case-control, cross-sectional) evaluating genetic, infectious, perinatal, or environmental exposures in children. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist.
What was found
The abstract reports no numeric metrics, pooled odds ratios, or confidence intervals. It identifies consistent associations between congenital hearing loss and genetic factors (GJB2 mutations, positive family history, consanguinity), infectious etiologies (congenital cytomegalovirus, TORCH infections), perinatal factors (neonatal intensive care unit admission, low birth weight, hyperbilirubinemia), and environmental exposures (ototoxic medications). Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was the most frequently observed subtype.
Why it matters
This review synthesizes the primary risk domains for congenital hearing loss to inform targeted screening and early diagnostic protocols in newborns.
Limits
The abstract does not disclose the number of included studies, total participant sample size, or quantitative effect sizes. The underlying evidence base consists solely of observational studies subject to confounding and variable exposure measurement.
Cited by
- supports Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital infectious cause of hearing loss.