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- Congenital<\/strong>. Congenital causes of hearing loss are those that are present at birth<\/a>. Congenital causes may include genetics, intrauterine infections, anoxia and conditions passed on from the mother during pregnancy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Family history-related hearing loss falls under congenital causes. To better understand the connection between family history and hearing loss, let\u2019s examine both genetic and overall health as contributors to hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hearing Loss Passed On Through Genes<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/advancedhearingga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Baby-being-tested-for-hearing-loss.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nGenetic factors are thought to cause more than 50% of all congenital hearing loss in children<\/a>. Genetic causes are categorized into one of the following groups:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Autosomal recessive hearing loss<\/strong>. Occurs when both parents carry the recessive gene for hearing loss but have normal hearing themselves. With autosomal recessive hearing loss, the child has a 25% chance of having hearing loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Autosomal dominant hearing loss<\/strong>. Occurs when one parent carries the dominant gene for hearing loss and typically has hearing loss themselves. In this case, there is a 50% chance that the child will have hearing loss. If more than one parent has the dominant gene for hearing loss, there is a higher chance that the child will have it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- X-linked hearing loss<\/strong>. Occurs when the mother carries the recessive gene for hearing loss on the sex chromosome. In this case, hearing loss can only be passed on to male children.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In addition to the previously listed genetic causes, genetic syndromes, which include hearing loss as one of the characteristics, may increase the chance of family history-related hearing loss. Some of these syndromes include but are not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Down syndrome<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Usher syndrome<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Treacher Collins syndrome<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Crouzon syndrome<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alport syndrome<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Testing during pregnancy may be available to determine the likelihood that your child will have hearing loss<\/a>. If you have established a possibility, consider contacting an audiologist or hearing specialist to discuss ways you can prepare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Family History Health Contributors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Certain overall health factors can be passed on through family members. For instance, if your family has a history of high blood pressure, you may as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
High blood pressure can be responsible for speeding up the degeneration of the hearing apparatus<\/a>, leading to hearing loss. Because genes and common environmental factors shared by family members may play a role in high blood pressure<\/a>, managing your blood pressure through exercise and diet is crucial. Try adding extra fruits and vegetables or a walk through Piedmont Park to lower your blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
High blood pressure and other poor health contributors should be monitored and prevented through a healthy lifestyle and regular doctor\u2019s visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contact Advanced Hearing<\/span> today to discuss hearing loss management with one of our trusted audiologists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- X-linked hearing loss<\/strong>. Occurs when the mother carries the recessive gene for hearing loss on the sex chromosome. In this case, hearing loss can only be passed on to male children.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Autosomal dominant hearing loss<\/strong>. Occurs when one parent carries the dominant gene for hearing loss and typically has hearing loss themselves. In this case, there is a 50% chance that the child will have hearing loss. If more than one parent has the dominant gene for hearing loss, there is a higher chance that the child will have it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Autosomal recessive hearing loss<\/strong>. Occurs when both parents carry the recessive gene for hearing loss but have normal hearing themselves. With autosomal recessive hearing loss, the child has a 25% chance of having hearing loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n