Clinical aspects of hereditary hearing loss

Genet Med. 2007 Jul;9(7):393-408. doi: 10.1097/gim.0b013e3180980bd0.

Abstract

Hearing loss is an etiologically diverse condition with many disease-related complications and major clinical, social, and quality of life implications. As the rate of acquired hearing loss secondary to environmental causes decreases and improvements in the diagnosis of abnormalities occur, the significance of genetic factors that lead to deafness increases. Advancements in molecular biology have led to improved detection and earlier intervention in patients with hearing loss. Subsequently, earlier implementation of educational services and cochlear implant technology in patients with profound hearing loss now results in superior communication skills and enhanced language development. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive framework underlying the causes of hearing impairment and to detail the clinical management for patients with hereditary hearing loss.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cochlea
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genetic Diseases, Inborn* / diagnosis
  • Genetic Diseases, Inborn* / epidemiology
  • Genetic Diseases, Inborn* / genetics
  • Genetic Diseases, Inborn* / therapy
  • Hearing Loss* / diagnosis
  • Hearing Loss* / epidemiology
  • Hearing Loss* / genetics
  • Hearing Loss* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Language Development*
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Terminology as Topic