To What Degree Is Hearing Loss Considered Hereditary?

Unfortunately, hearing loss can run in the family. This can occur in a variety of ways but is generally referred to as hereditary hearing loss. This can happen with a mutated gene is inherited from one or both parents, or genes that cause hearing loss could be passed down through the parents. Sometimes, a child can inherit a gene mutation, but it does not result in any condition or hearing loss. In these cases, the child is then called a carrier.

Some types of hearing loss can be genetic; these are known as hereditary conditions and are caused by mutations in the genes.

There are several different ways that gene mutations cause loss of hearing.

The following are examples of hereditary hearing loss:

• Otosclerosis

The primary cause of Otosclerosis is not fully known. However, most cases of this hearing condition are usually observed to be genetic.

Otosclerosis is the name given to a condition where there is abnormal bone growth observed in the middle ear. Because of such abnormalities, the structures within the ear are not able to function correctly. This leads to hearing loss.

• Usher’s syndrome

Also known as Hallgren syndrome, Usher’s is also considered a genetic syndrome. It is a rare condition that is caused by a mutation in any one of the eleven genes. This then causes hearing impairment and also a loss of vision. Usher’s syndrome is one of the leading causes of deafblindness. At present, there is no known cure for Usher’s syndrome.

• Pendred syndrome

This is a genetic syndrome that causes hearing loss in children. In some cases, the thyroid gland is also affected, and this syndrome can also result in problems with balance.

Children born with this syndrome are usually born with some degree of hearing impairment, or hearing loss begins to take place around the age of three years, with gradual loss of hearing taking place. In some cases, patients can experience a sudden loss of hearing- however, sometimes these patients will regain some of their hearing over time.

With Pendred syndrome, the child usually inherits two mutated genes, one from each parent.

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Inner ear sensory problems can also be hereditary, provided that gene mutations cause these conditions. Inner ear sensory hair cells are essential for the proper function of hearing, and therefore any disruption in these genes will cause loss of normal hearing.

Furthermore, gene mutations can also cause other conditions not related to hearing at all. However, if some of these are combined with inner ear deformations, then deafness can be present at birth or can result later on in life.

Research in the area for genetic mutations and loss of hearing is ongoing, and some researchers are even looking to gene mutations and therapies to provide effective treatment and even reversal in some cases of hereditary hearing loss.