Genetic hearing loss

Families may want to know why their baby or child has a hearing loss.

About 50% of children with severe to profound deafness have a genetic condition. Genetic deafness may be caused by changes in one gene or by the interaction of information from a number of different genes.

Genetic deafness may be inherited from one or both parents.

Genetic conditions may be ‘syndromic’, meaning there are other features besides hearing loss, or ‘non-syndromic’ where hearing loss is the main feature.

Genetic hearing loss may be present at birth or start later in life. It may be stable or get worse over time.

Genetic counselling gives families information about the possible causes of their child’s hearing loss, which helps them make informed choices for the future of their child and family.

Related articles:

• What can a genetics referral offer my my family
• Understanding genetic inheritance
  
• The genetics of hearing loss
• Syndromal causes of deafness
• Genetic testing during pregnancy
• Genetic counselling services in Australia
• Genetics of deafness - a glossary