Hearing loss can be caused by many things, including genetics. Let’s take a closer look at the role that genetics plays in hearing loss as well as what you can do to support your hearing health.
Genetics and Newborn Hearing Loss
Genetic factors often are involved in cases of newborn hearing loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “50% to 60% of hearing loss in babies is due to genetic causes”.
If a child is born with hearing loss or genes that will cause them to develop hearing loss later in life, it’s known as congenital hearing loss. Congenital hearing loss can be dominant or recessive. If it’s dominant, that means that if one parent has the mutation, a child will also have it. In cases where it is recessive, both parents must have the mutation causing hearing loss for the child to also have it.
Genetic Syndromes That Can Cause Hearing Loss
Many cases of congenital hearing loss are non-syndromic. This means that the person does not have any other symptoms. However, other cases are caused by genetic syndromes and come with other symptoms as well. Some genetic syndromes that cause hearing loss include:
- Pendred syndrome
- Stickler syndrome
- Treacher Collins syndrome
- Usher’s syndrome
Additionally, conditions like Down’s syndrome and Turner’s syndrome increase a person’s risk of developing hearing loss at some point.
If My Parents Have Hearing Loss, Will I Also Have It?
While you can’t control any genetic conditions or mutations, having a parent or parents with hearing loss does not automatically mean you will develop hearing loss as well. For example, if you have a parent that worked in a loud environment for years without using hearing protection and developed noise-induced hearing loss, that wouldn’t affect your chances of developing the same condition.
When To Get A Hearing Test
If you have known genetic risk factors for hearing loss, you should be getting regular hearing tests to catch any changes as soon as possible.
Regardless of your genetics or family history, if you begin to notice that sounds seem muffled when you’re at work or out having a meal with friends at Lulu Bird’s Kitchen in Gloucester, schedule an appointment for a hearing test. If an audiologist discovers that you have hearing loss, they will work with you to find a pair of hearing aids that best meet your needs and fit your lifestyle.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy today.