Learn About Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss
Nonsyndromic hearing loss is a partial or total loss of hearing that is not associated with other signs and symptoms. In contrast, syndromic hearing loss occurs with signs and symptoms affecting other parts of the body.
The causes of nonsyndromic hearing loss are complex. Researchers have identified more than 90 genes that, when altered, are associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss. Many of these genes are involved in the development and function of the inner ear. Mutations in these genes contribute to hearing loss by interfering with critical steps in processing sound. Different mutations in the same gene can be associated with different types of hearing loss, and some genes are associated with both syndromic and nonsyndromic forms. In many affected families, the factors contributing to hearing loss have not been identified.
Between 2 and 3 per 1,000 children in the United States are born with detectable hearing loss in one or both ears. The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age; the condition affects 1 in 8 people in the United States age 12 and older, or about 30 million people. By age 85, more than half of all people experience hearing loss.
As discussed above, nonsyndromic hearing loss has different patterns of inheritance. Between 75 and 80 percent of cases are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. Usually, each parent of an individual with autosomal recessive hearing loss carries one copy of the mutated gene but does not have hearing loss.
Proliance Surgeons
Roger S. Zundel, MD, practices general and pediatric otolaryngology, endocrine surgery, head and neck cancer, and otology. He believes listening to his patients is the key to earning their trust. He understands that ensuring a patient feels cared for is as important as his medical expertise. He is an active member of Overlake Hospital's staff and has served on multiple hospital committees.Outside of work, Dr. Zundel enjoys skiing, hiking and spending time with his wife and three daughters. He is learning Spanish and classical guitar. Dr. Zundel is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss. His top areas of expertise are Trachoma, Laryngitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), and Infant Hearing Loss.
Proliance Surgeons
Peter F. Maurice, MD, is a highly specialized otolaryngologist, and fellowship-trained in plastic surgery. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology.Dr. Maurice received his medical degree from Georgetown University, in Washington, DC, where he was elected to membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at Georgetown University Hospital.Dr. Maurice then was selected for a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. This full-year training program gave him a unique opportunity to study with one of the AAFPRS's master surgeons in Albuquerque, New Mexico.At South Seattle Otolaryngology, patients benefit from a team of on-site audiologists and allergy specialists, in addition to a team of otolaryngologists with over 50 years of combined experience. Dr. Maurice is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Low Nasal Bridge, Nasal Septal Hematoma, and Sinusitis.
Proliance Surgeons
Thomas A. Knipe, MD, is a board-certified surgeon specializing in the medical and surgical treatment of adult and pediatric disorders of the head and neck. While practicing all aspects of otolaryngology, he has a special interest in sinus, sleep and breathing disorders and tumors of the head and neck. He is trained in advanced surgery of the sinuses and skull base to bring his patients safe and proven treatments for complex tumors of the skull base and more common sinus and breathing limitations alike. He treats patients with benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck including thyroid, parathyroid and salivary glands and is trained in salivary gland-saving endoscopic techniques to remove salivary stones. In his practice, he takes great care to educate his patients and apply his medical expertise to partner with and guide each one through important medical decisions.He is committed to serving the world’s poor and underserved through medical and surgical mission work. He travels overseas to perform surgical repair for children and adults with cleft lip and palate, thyroid disease and benign and malignant disorders of the head and neck.A native of the Seattle area, Dr. Knipe takes the Northwest’s healthy and active lifestyle to heart. He is an avid runner and works hard to keep up with his wife and two daughters. He also enjoys hiking, fishing and competing in ultimate Frisbee. Dr. Knipe is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss. His top areas of expertise are Laryngitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Trachoma, Perichondritis, and Tissue Biopsy.
Published Date: February 01, 2016
Published By: National Institutes of Health