The aetiology of partial deafness in childhood.

Two hundred and twenty-three White children with partial hearing loss in three special schools in South Africa for the hard-of-hearing child were investigated. Twenty-four children (11%) had an identifiable genetic syndrome, 52 (23%) had familial deafness, 17 (8%) had significant additional non-otological abnormalities, and in 55 (24%) a firm history of an acquired cause was available. The proportions of these aetiological categories are similar to those which we have encountered in profoundly deaf children. It is of practical significance that 18 of the children had middle-ear abnormalities which could very likely be corrected by surgery. It is strongly recommended that every child with impaired hearing should have a comprehensive clinical and otological assessment and thereafter undergo periodic diagnostic review.