Deafness-infertility syndrome is a condition characterized by hearing loss and difficulty conceiving children (a condition called infertility). Affected individuals have moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss, which is caused by abnormalities in the inner ear. The hearing loss is typically diagnosed in early childhood and does not worsen over time. Individuals with this condition produce sperm that have decreased movement (motility). As a result, they cannot conceive without assisted reproductive technologies.