Genetic Factors in Hearing Loss

When treating hearing loss, or talking about the potential for developing hearing loss, we will often talk about the various risk factors that can play a role in its presence. There are many risk factors, such as age, excessive exposure to loud noise, heart health, and more. However, there is also a genetic component. If other members of your family have experienced hearing loss, you might be more likely to, as well. Here, we will look at what you need to know about genetic factors in hearing loss.

About Genetic Hearing Loss

Genetic hearing loss is any kind of hearing loss that can be linked to gene mutations passed down from parent to child. These genes do not ensure that hearing loss is hereditary, but they can make some people more likely to experience it than others. Often, this hearing loss is affected by the same risk factors as others, like aging, noise, certain medications, and infection, but is simply more likely to occur. An estimated 35-55% of people with age-related hearing loss have genetic factors that make it more likely.

How Likely Are You to Inherit the Hearing Loss Gene?

There are over 30,000 genes that make up our DNA, as well as the characteristics that we’re going to inherit from our parents. Some of these genes change and mutate, and the gene mutations are what can make the increased risk of hearing loss hereditary. Hearing loss resulting from gene mutation can be syndromic or non-syndromic. Non-syndromic hearing loss is the most common form, applying to roughly 7-in-10 cases of genetic hearing loss, which means that it’s not related to any disorders. However, syndromic hearing loss means that the individual can inherit other syndromes, such as Otosclerosis, Usher’s syndrome and Pendred syndrome.

Genetic hearing Loss in Children

Parents who experience some form of hearing loss may be concerned that their children will inherit it from them. In most cases, genetic hearing loss is congenital, meaning that it will develop in later life. However, newborn and infant hearing loss is typically related to their genetics. Whether they are likely depends on the nature of the gene mutation. Some are recessive, meaning that both parents would have to pass on the gene for the child to have it. Others are dominant, meaning that only one parent would have to pass on the gene for the child to inherit it. The best way to determine whether hearing loss is a risk is to visit the audiologist if you believe your child is exhibiting symptoms.

Your Audiologist Can Help

Regardless of the risk factors or potential causes of your hearing loss, your approach should be the same, regardless. Make an appointment with your audiologist. They can perform a hearing test, as well as complete an inspection of the ear to diagnose any existing hearing loss and help you get a better idea of your range of hearing. In the vast majority of cases, they will recommend a hearing aid, which can improve your range of hearing and your quality of life.