Full understanding of genetic causes of deafness ‘within reach’

Scientists are close to identifying the majority of all deafness-causing genetic variants thanks to advances in technology, according to a review.

Published in the Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers journal, the paper has highlighted the fact that at least 1,000 DNA variants at more than 130 sites in the human genome have been identified that can cause hearing loss not associated with other symptoms or syndromes.

According to the authors from the University of Miami, this has been achieved thanks to the availability of high-throughput, massively parallel DNA sequencing techniques that can amplify and repeatedly sequence the genetic regions that are most likely to yield results.

The experts predict that most of the variant genes responsible for deafness will be identified within the next decade, paving the way for the development of practical treatments.

Dr Kenneth Berns, editor-in-chief of genetic testing and molecular biomarkers, said: "Knowledge of the genetic lesions underlying deafness will greatly assist development of targeted therapy."

Figures from Action on Hearing Loss suggest that there are more than ten million people in the UK who suffer from some form of hearing loss.