eng Oriental Scientific Publishing Company Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia 0973-1245 2026-06-10 23 2 59057 article Ankush Bala 1 Amrit Sudershan 2 Mohd Younis 2 Kamal Kishore 4 Sawarkar Sharma 5 Parvinder Kumar 1 Department of Zoology, University of Jammu, Jammu, India Institute of Human Genetics, University of Jammu, Jammu, India Department of Human Genetics, Cluster University of Srinagar, Kashmir, India Department of ENT, Sri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospital Jammu, Jammu, India Department of Zoology, Central University of Jammu, Samba, India Congenital hearing loss is a significant public health concern contributing to speech, language, and cognitive impairments, particularly in resource-limited and genetically isolated populations. The prevalence is often higher in regions with increased rates of consanguinity.  The present study aimed to investigate the demographic, clinical, and non-genetic characteristics associated with congenital hearing loss in a remote village (Paralkot) of Jammu and Kashmir, India. This community-based, survey-driven study was conducted after obtaining ethical clearance. A total of 52 individuals from hearing-impaired families were recruited, among whom 18 affected individuals were identified. Data were collected using a pre-designed structured questionnaire covering demographic details, birth history, clinical profile, and family history. Audiometric evaluation was performed using pure tone audiometry to assess the type and severity of hearing loss. Among the 18 affected individuals, 38.8% were males and 61.1% females. All cases exhibited bilateral, prelingual, sensorineural hearing loss, with 72.2% showing severe to profound impairment. A high prevalence of consanguinity (83.3%) was observed, predominantly second-degree (66.6%). Most individuals were born full-term with normal delivery, and non-genetic risk factors such as maternal illness, drug intake, or TORCH infections were largely absent. The majority of affected individuals belonged to low socioeconomic backgrounds and had limited or no formal education. The findings strongly suggest a hereditary basis of hearing loss in the studied population, primarily influenced by high rates of consanguineous marriages. The lack of healthcare infrastructure, early diagnostic facilities, and educational support further exacerbates the burden. Implementation of genetic counselling, awareness programs, and universal neonatal hearing screening is essential to reduce the incidence and improve the quality of life of affected individuals in such underserved communities. https://www.biotech-asia.org/vol23no2/assessment-of-degree-pattern-and-associated-risk-factors-of-congenital-hearing-loss-among-the-population-of-village-paralkot-district-poonch-j-and-k/ Congenital hearing loss; Consanguinity; Genetic disorders; Paralkot village; Public health; Sensorineural hearing loss