What term best describes young patients who have experienced hearing loss since birth?

The term "congenital" is used to describe conditions that are present from birth. In the context of hearing loss, congenital hearing loss specifically refers to any level of hearing impairment that is present at the time of birth, regardless of whether it is due to genetic factors, environmental influences during pregnancy, or other medical conditions.

In contrast to congenital, "acquired" refers to hearing loss that occurs after birth, which would not apply to young patients who have experienced hearing loss since birth. "Reactive" is not a standard term used in audiology to describe hearing loss, so it wouldn't be an appropriate descriptor in this context. "Progressive" refers to hearing loss that worsens over time, which again does not fit the specific situation of young patients with hearing loss from birth.

Therefore, "congenital" is the most accurate term to use for this specific group, as it accurately reflects their hearing loss status from the moment they were born.