Overview
Combined vision and hearing loss is most commonly caused by genetic syndromes, aging, and prenatal or postnatal illnesses. The primary categories include Usher syndrome, age-related decline, and congenital infections.
Genetic Syndromes
- Usher syndrome: The leading genetic cause, featuring hearing impairment combined with progressive night and side vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa.
- CHARGE syndrome: A condition present at birth involving multiple areas of the body, affecting both eyes and ears.
- Down syndrome: Chromosomal variation that can feature dual sensory loss over time.
Age-Related Factors
- Aging: The most frequent cause of combined sensory loss in older adults, blending age-related hearing decline with conditions like macular degeneration or cataracts.
Prenatal and Postnatal Complications
- Congenital rubella syndrome: Infection before birth that harms developing eye and ear structures.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV): A common virus acquired before birth that can cause infant hearing and vision problems.
- Meningitis or severe head injury: Postnatal infections or trauma that damage sensory pathways later in life.
Email Address