Are deaf people more likely to be born with special needs?

The National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NICCD) labels hearing loss as one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions in the U. S., affecting people of all ages, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic levels. NICCD estimates about 12,000 children born in the U.S. read more

Deafness can be accompanied by secondary disabilities. There was a rubella epidemic in the 60s that caused a boom in the population of children with multiple disabilities that often included deafness. read more

Strain says he has identified 89 dog breeds with incidences of congenital deafness, some much higher than others. Dalmatians seem to be the most at risk, he says, with 30% of puppies born deaf in one or both ears. read more