AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the etiology of hearing loss in students of "Escola de Ensino Especial Anne Sullivan" at São Caetano do Sul to make a comparison of the results with the literature. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We analyzed the medical history of 131 students in 2001, including the familiar anamnesis, otorhinolaryngological, psychological and audiological examination. RESULTS: In the group, 67 (51%) were males and 64 (49%) females; 99% showed sensorineural hearing loss, 65% classified as profound. Etiological factors: in 24% no cause of hearing impairment could be determined; rubella was found in 22% of the children. The majority of the children had the suspicion and the diagnosis within 12 months old. CONCLUSIONS: The undefined etiology was the main finding, followed by congenital rubella. The diagnosis has to be made between 12 and 30 months.
hearing loss; deafness; child; etiology
