The Role Of Genetics In Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is something experienced by over one billion people around the world. According to the World Health Organization, almost 20% of the population currently experience it and by 2050 the number could have risen to over 700 million people with hearing loss. One of the biggest questions regarding the matter is what causes hearing loss and how big of a role genetics has. In this article, we will explore the role of genetics, what this means and how you can help improve your hearing with the help of hearing aids. Keep reading to find out more.

What is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss occurs when the sound signals from an external stimulus don’t reach the brain in the correct way. There are four main hearing loss types: conductive, sensorineural, mixed and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. There are many different factors that can contribute to hearing loss, from ear infections and health conditions to high blood pressure and diabetes. Another main cause is genetics which we explore below.

How Can Genetics Play a Role in Hearing Loss?

Genetics has been found to contribute to around 50-60% of hearing loss cases in babies. Researchers have found that genes such as the connexin 26 gene mutation plays a part in hearing loss and makes some people more susceptible to deafness.

What Are Genes?

The human body is composed of over 30,000 genes that make up our DNA. Genes are crucial for the way we hear as they tell the cells in our bodies how they should function and work. If a gene doesn’t do this in the way it’s supposed to, it’s a mutation such as the one previously detailed. If a parent has a gene mutation, it can be that this is passed down to their children. This means if a parent has a gene mutation causing hearing loss, they could pass this to their offspring who would potentially also experience hearing loss.

The dominant gene mutation that can be passed onto your child only needs to be present in one of the parents and can be passed on from either the mother or the father. The chance of passing on the gene mutation if one of the parents has it, is one in two so is quite likely. The severity of the gene mutation and the hearing loss that is experienced can differ from person to person. In some people they might find their hearing is completely unaffected, while others have profound hearing loss– it’s not known why there can be such a vast spectrum of difference from person to person.

While a gene mutation is the main cause for genetic hearing loss, sometimes families with genetic hearing loss don’t experience it due to a mutation. Sometimes the cause can’t be determined and it is classed as just one of those things.

Does Genetic Hearing Loss Mean You’ll Experience Hearing Loss from Birth?

While certain gene mutations mean that people’s hearing loss is present from birth, others mean you can be more sensitive to certain triggers that can cause it later in life. From drug use to getting more ear infections or being more sensitive to loud noises, these can all cause hearing loss due to your genetic makeup. The name for this hearing loss is congenital hearing loss. If you find you have this type of loss, it’s important to take steps to minimize the risk of it becoming worse, such as not being near excessively loud noises such as at concerts and avoiding getting your ears wet such as in public swimming pools where you are prone to getting infections.

What Can Be Done to Help with Genetic Hearing Loss?

Babies will have their hearing tested when they are born to see it’s working as it should. This hearing screening is done before a baby leaves the hospital and while it can’t tell the exact cause of the baby’s hearing loss, it can tell you if they are experiencing it so you can look at how to treat it going forward

If you find you are later on in your life and suspect you are experiencing genetic hearing loss, it’s important to get a hearing test that can determine the severity and help you to get it sorted. One of the main fixes tends to be a hearing aid that can help amplify the sounds around you and assist you with hearing. Your hearing instrument specialist will be able to get you the right treatment for your needs.

To find out more about hearing loss and the best ways to combat and treat it, speak to hearing instrument specialist at Hearing Well Matters by calling (647) 247-2704.