There are a number of causes of hearing loss. Usually, it is because of either aging or because of prolonged exposure to a loud environment.
Hearing loss may also be caused by other things such as the build-up of earwax or ear infections. Sometimes hearing loss is temporary, and sometimes it is permanent.
The point here is that the causes and effects of hearing loss are many and varied.
But what about genetic causes? Can hearing loss be passed down from one generation of a family to the next?
So, how about it, is hearing loss genetic? Today, we will share with you whether hearing loss may be hereditary or not. You’ll also learn about some of the connections between hearing loss and genetics.
Is Hearing Loss Genetic?
Yes, hearing loss can be due to genetic causes. If you have a family member that has hearing loss, there is a chance that it may be passed down to you.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50 percent to 60 percent of hearing loss in babies is caused by genetics. But other than that, hearing loss in babies can be caused by environmental factors. 25 percent of hearing loss is due to environmental factors such as maternal infections during the stage of pregnancy.
Even some age related hearing loss is genetic. No one knows for sure exactly how much. But estimates range from 35% – 55%.
In age related hearing loss, some people are more prone to it than others due to genetic factors. For some genetic reason, things like aging or even noise, drugs or infection are more likely to cause hearing loss.
There are a few types of hereditary conditions that can lead to hearing loss. Three of the most common ones are:
- Usher’s syndrome
- Otosclerosis
- Pendred syndrome
Types of Genetic Hearing Loss
There are two types of genetic hearing loss. Non-syndromic and syndromic hearing loss. Non-syndromic hearing loss is a genetic hearing loss where the person affected does not experience symptoms other than losing your sense of hearing. About 70 percent of genetic hearing loss are non-syndromic.
The remaining 30 percent of genetic hearing loss are a syndromic hearing loss. Syndromic hearing loss is a genetic hearing loss wherein the patient experiences other symptoms besides hearing loss. This usually involves malformations of the external ear as well as other organs.
If you are experiencing other symptoms of the medical conditions stated above other than hearing loss, then that is an example of syndromic hearing loss. But if you are not experiencing other symptoms and just the hearing loss from any of the conditions above, then that is non-syndromic hearing loss.
Treatments For Genetic Hearing Loss
At this time, there is no cure for genetic hearing loss. However there are a number of treatment options available.
What treatment options are right for your situation depend on the cause of the hearing loss and its severity. However, common treatments include hearing aids, cochlear implants, speech therapy and/or assistive listening devices.
There has recently been some research that shows some promising developments in treating genetic hearing loss. Scientists have been successful in treating mice with genetic hearing loss in a few studies.
This research involves using embryonic gene therapy, neonatal gene therapy and neonatal antisense oligonucleotide therapy. Hopefully the success in mice will ultimately be able to result in a cure for humans.
For diagnosing and treating hearing loss, especially in kids, you may want to start with a Medical Doctor. Specifically, an otolaryngologist. An audiologist can also help in performing some hearing tests and picking out/fitting hearing aids.