Q: Will the offspring of a deaf and dumb couple by birth be born deaf and dumbb?

A:For a deaf person marrying another deaf person the risk to the offspring depend upon the cause of the deafness. So precise risks can only be stated after determining the cause in the affected persons, and appropriate gene studies. A genetic consultation should be sought. In cases of deaf marrying a deaf of undetermined genetic cause all children will not be affected, and there is about 85% chance of a normal child.