Exploring Hereditary Factors Behind Hearing Loss

Certainly illness and injury can cause hearing loss, but could genetics also contribute? Quite simply, the answer is “Yes.” Genetic abnormalities actually cause most types of hearing loss. On top of that, hearing loss is regarded as the most common birth defect in the developed world.

DNA, genes and inheritance. Our is DNA composed of genes, which behave like tiny pieces of code that, when set in a certain combination, cause all of us to look and function the way we do. Scientists have discovered over 100 genes that can impact hearing. Hearing loss may result from any one of these genes being missing or altered. When an individual having these abnormal gene sequences has a child, the irregular gene or genes are often passed on to the child too.

Genetic hearing loss variations. Some varieties of genetic hearing loss can visibly affect the outer ear, while other forms just affect hearing in the inner ear. The hearing loss can be conductive, sensorineural or mixed. Note that, hereditary hearing loss can reveal itself at birth or later on in life. Usher syndrome affects over fifty percent of the deaf-blind population, making it one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Another named disorder that includes hearing loss is Waardenburg syndrome. Telltale signs include streaks of white hair, pale skin and light-colored eyes in addition to the hearing loss.

The good news about hereditary hearing losses. Just because a parent has hearing loss, does not automatically mean the child will have hearing loss too. Genes which contribute to hearing loss are commonly recessive. So long as the child inherits a normal copy of the gene from one parent, their hearing should be normal. Even if both parents suffer from hearing loss, their kids may still not be affected by hearing loss because different genes may be responsible in each parent. People concerned with genetic hearing loss can see a doctor for genetic testing that can help determine risks.