Abstract
<jats:p>Hearing loss is a significant sequelae of many infectious diseases, both congenital and acquired, with a direct impact on communication and development. Damage to the auditory system is multifactorial and can occur directly, such as from inflammation and oxidative stress in the inner ear, or indirectly, such as from opportunistic infection or ototoxicity from drug treatments. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and rubella are notorious causes of congenital hearing loss in children, while bacterial meningitis is one of the leading causes of acquired deafness in childhood. Other pathogens, such as measles, mumps, and HIV viruses, give rise to characteristic audiological profiles, with HIV in particular contributing to drug ototoxicity. COVID-19 has emerged as a new risk factor, with cochlear and central damage still under investigation. Given the complex nature of infection-related hearing loss, early detection and intervention are crucial. Optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving infectious disease specialists, audiologists, and neurologists, with the aim of accurate diagnosis and effective rehabilitation of affected children. This chapter highlights the need to strengthen public health policies, with a focus on expanding vaccination coverage, implementing universal audiological screening programs, and continuously monitoring children at risk. Awareness of the auditory manifestations of infections is essential to ensure that a child’s hearing is preserved and their development continues unimpaired.</jats:p>