There are many factors that can be attributable to causing deafblindness. Varying degrees of vision and hearing loss may occur:

During pregnancy:

• a woman may come into contact with a virus or disease that affects the growing foetus
• an inherited condition or syndrome may be passed on to the child
• a chromosomal disorder may occur during the foetus’ early development
• injury affecting the foetus whilst in utero

Complications at birth (multiple health and physical conditions may also be present):

• a child may be born prematurely
• neurological conditions as a result of a traumatic birth or lack of oxygen

Post natal/childhood:

• inherited conditions that may present during developmental stages
• auto immune conditions
• illness cause by virus or disease
• injury to the eyes and ears
• acquired brain injury

Young adult to older age:

• inherited conditions or syndromes that present later in the person’s life
• non-hereditary conditions and syndromes
• auto immune conditions
• illness cause by virus or disease
• injury to the eyes and ears
• acquired brain injury
• the ageing process