[Diagnostic approach to child deafness].

Diagnostic approach to child deafness. The identification of a hearing loss in a child must lead the practitioner to take two initiatives: first, he must characterize it as a conductive or perceptive hearing loss, and assess its severity; secondly, he must try to establish its origin because the management can depend on it. The etiological search relies on a careful physical examination and complementary tests oriented on the findings of the latter, the clinical history and not only personal but also prenatal medical history. Admittedly, genetic causes are majoritarian among perception deafness, but acquired causes should not be underestimated, especially those due to bacterial or viral infections. Etiological assessments should not, however, slow down the management of the hearing loss, which is often based on hearing aids or surgery and speech therapy when necessary.