Is hearing loss inherited?
Hearing loss can be caused by many factors including genetics, normal aging, or as a result of damage to the ears from long-term exposure to noisy environments. It is estimated that about 50% of cases of childhood hearing loss may be due to genetic factors, but the cause of hearing loss in many babies is unknown. There is no single genetic test available to determine whether an individual or his offspring is at increased risk for childhood hearing loss. However, if a donor applicant had a family history that suggested an increased risk for hearing loss in his offspring, the applicant would not eligible to participate in our donor program. In addition, the majority of children born in the United States have a hearing screening soon after birth, usually before they leave the hospital.
