My child who is 3 months has a moderate cleft palate. surgery at 10 months. can cleft palate lead to deafness? i know it can cause hearing loss

Usually not: Infants with cleft palate are very prone to develop frequent ear infections and middle ear effusion, which are responsible for reversible hearing loss.

Cleft team: A cleft of the palate commonly causes middle ear fluid build up and infections and require placement of ear tubes usually within the first few months of birth. You have answered your own question - yes it can cause hearing loss(partial deafness) and issues with speech. Your child's plastic surgeon, ENT surgeon ; cleft team will work together to minimize the impact of the cleft by early treatment.

Relax: Part of the defect in clefts is an altered position of the muscles that pull up on the palate & effect the drainage of fluid from the middle ear into the throat.Poor drainage can lead to retained fluid & temporary reduced hearing & ear infections. Tubes are commonly put in cleft kids even before they have ear infections.With regular monitoring your kids hearing will be preserved.