Genetic Associations in Age-Related Hearing Thresholds

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Abstract
MANY PEOPLE with age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) have a family history of age-related hearing loss in their parents, siblings, or other close relatives. However, the nature and extent of the familial hearing impairment are often difficult to document, and this information is seldom obtained. Many authors have held that presbycusis has a genetic basis,1 but evidence for this theory is scant and largely anecdotal. Nonetheless, there is a widespread presumption based on clinical observation that presbycusis is an inherited disorder and that genetic factors may influence both the rate and severity of the hearing loss. The genetic factors that underlie this observation are unknown. The number of recognized genetic hearing disorders is increasing annually because of a strong emphasis upon genetics in auditory research. Thus, it is appropriate to begin to address the genetic aspects of age-related hearing loss.

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