Hereditary / Genetic Hearing Loss Explained

Hearing loss is usually associated with ageing or we focus a lot on noise-induced hearing loss; however, hearing loss can also be something you are just born with. Both hearing loss and deafness can be passed down genetically, that is what hereditary hearing loss is. Hereditary hearing loss is also be referred to as congenital hearing loss or genetic hearing loss. There are some genetic factors that can put some people at risk for hearing loss. This doesn’t always mean that they are born hard of hearing or deaf but in some cases will be more susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss or losing their hearing as they age.

How Common is Hereditary Hearing Loss?

Wikipedia details how common hereditary hearing loss is.

About 75 – 80% of inherited hearing loss is in recessive genes. This is called non-syndromic hearing impairment.
20 – 25% of inherited hearing loss is from dominant genes. This is called syndromic hearing impairment. It means that the hearing loss is attributed to other clinical abnormalities.
Only 1 -2% of inherited hearing loss is inherited by X-linked patterns.
Less than 1% is from a mitochondrial inheritance.

Examples of Hereditary Hearing Loss

Hereditary hearing loss can be caused by a genetic mutation. When certain types of genetic mutations occur, they can affect the hair cells of the inner ear which are responsible for hearing. Even though someone could be born with this type of gene mutation, hearing loss may not appear until later in life. Scientists are actively working on gene mapping to help with diagnosis, research, treatment and a cure.

Hereditary hearing loss can also be a side effect of certain conditions including:

Otosclerosis
Usher’s Syndrome
Pendred Syndrome

Kenwood Hearing Center is Here to Help You through All Aspects of Hearing Loss

If you have any questions about hearing loss or hearing aids, please contact us at Kenwood Hearing Center to schedule a hearing assessment with one of our Audiologists today. We are here for you, to help maintain your hearing health.

The purpose of this hearing assessment and/or demonstration is for hearing wellness to determine if the client(s) may benefit from using hearing aids. Products demonstrated may differ from products sold. Test conclusion may not be a medical diagnosis. The use of any hearing aid may not fully restore normal hearing and does not prevent future hearing loss. Testing is to evaluate your hearing wellness, which may include selling and fitting hearing aids. Hearing instruments may not meet the needs of all hearing-impaired individuals. One offer per customer. Insurance benefit, including Managed Care or federal reimbursements, cannot be combined with any of our promotional offers, coupons or discounts. Other terms may apply. See office for details.