ABSTRACT
In the introduction a genetic defect was mentioned as a common cause of profound hearing loss and the likelihood of those so affected being otherwise healthy. This is certainly not the case when the cause is maternal rubella. Depending on when the infection occurred, the results can be disastrous. Early infection, when the central nervous system is developing, damages ears, eyes, heart, digestive system and motor control. All this is often accompanied by gross intellectual retardation. Therefore the immunization of girls against Rubella is always to be recommended. If there is total compliance it is hoped that Rubella may be eradicated in the same way as smallpox. Other viral infections can affect hearing at any time in life, for example mumps, measles and meningitis. Meningitis may lead to damage to the central nervous system, so that in addition to a hearing loss learning difficulties and personality changes arise.
