Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, such as continuous exposure to loud noise, aging, and certain ototoxic medications that can result in permanent damage to hearing. But is hearing loss hereditary? And can you protect against genetic hearing loss? These are important questions to consider, and here's why.

Hearing loss and genetics

Our genes determine who we are, what we look like, and how we hear. Studies in human genetics have identified 100 different types of genes responsible for hearing (1). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 50%-60% of hearing loss in babies is due to genetic causes, compared to 25% caused by environmental factors such as maternal infections during pregnancy or complications after birth (2).

Is hearing loss hereditary?

Hearing loss can indeed be hereditary. Genes carry the instructions that tell our cells how to grow. If there’s a gene mutation that runs in the family, hearing loss can become “familial.”

While not a certainty, if one or both parents experience hearing loss, there’s a chance their child could also inherit hearing loss. However, even parents with normal hearing can have children who experience hearing loss. Dormant genes, errors in gene duplication, and faulty gene copies can all contribute to hearing loss.

Genetic hearing loss at birth

Around 1 in every 1,000 to 2,000 babies is born with profound hearing loss (3). Of these, more than 50% have hereditary causes. This condition is the most common sensory disorder.

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs are crucial in identifying hearing loss in infants. These tests are typically done after birth or before the newborn is discharged from the hospital.

Recent studies suggest that children with GJB2 gene mutations may not have hearing loss at birth but could develop it later in life (4). However, whether this is due to current EHDI testing or a delayed onset of hearing loss remains unclear. Follow-up EHDI testing is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Genetic hearing loss in later life stages

Up to 50% of individuals over the age of 60 experience hearing loss, with the condition impacting their daily life. By age 85, this figure rises to 80%.

Although some individuals may be predisposed to hearing loss, outside factors can influence its onset. These factors include:

• Continuous exposure to loud noise
• Ototoxic medications
• Diet

If hearing loss is common in your family, it’s important to take precautions. Avoid excessive exposure to loud noises, check with your healthcare provider about any ototoxic medications you may be taking, and maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

Common genetic hearing disorders

One of the most common genetic hearing disorders is otosclerosis, which affects the middle ear. It occurs due to abnormal growth of the three tiny bones in the middle ear, called the ossicles, with the stapes being the most commonly affected. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 60% of otosclerosis cases are thought to have a genetic cause (5), although the specific genes involved are still not fully understood.

If there’s any possibility of a family history of hearing loss, it’s recommended to conduct a three-generation family history review. Focus on relatives with hearing loss and any associated findings. Understanding whether you might be predisposed to hearing loss will allow you to take proactive steps.

How can Go Hearing help you?

The Go Hearing Online Hearing Screener
If you suspect hearing loss, speak to a hearing healthcare provider as soon as possible. As a first step, you can try Go Hearing’s free online hearing screener today.

Go OTC Hearing Aids for Hearing Loss
Go Hearing offers two OTC hearing aids designed to help people hear better on the go. The Go Lite OTC and Go Prime OTC hearing aids are available for purchase on the Go Hearing website or by calling (302) 754-3190, Monday - Sunday: 9 am - 8 pm EST.

Sources

1. “Genetics of Hearing and Deafness,” National Library of Medicine - National Center for Biotechnology Information, accessed July 13, 2022. Link
2. “Genetics of Hearing Loss,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accessed July 13, 2022. Link
3. “Clinical aspects of hereditary hearing loss,” Nature.com, accessed July 13, 2022. Link
4. “Does universal newborn hearing screening identify all children with GJB2 (Connexin 26) deafness? Penetrance of GJB2 deafness,” National Library of Medicine - National Center for Biotechnology Information, accessed July 13, 2022. Link
5. “Otosclerosis,” ENT Health Powered by American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, accessed July 13, 2022. Link