Overview Of Deafness

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When a child is diagnosed with deafness, many parents often wonder what the exact cause of the child’s deafness is. In recent studies (Arnos K. &., 2007) 50-60% of hearing loss (moderate to profound, congenital, or early-onset) have shown genetics to be a large factor. Non genetic factors (i.e. maternal infection, prematurity or postnatal infection) may cause 40-50% of the remaining hearing loss. About one-third of children with hereditary deafness have features that are part of a genetic syndrome and there are between 300-400 different forms of genetic deafness that are known. Most children benefit from a genetic evaluation as a dominant diagnostic tool in determining the exact cause of the deafness, and the role of the audiologist is pivitol in counseling parents of deaf children through this process.
“Genetic forms of hearing loss result from changes in genetic material (Arnos, 2006, pg. 1).”This material, DNA, is a part of every cell in our body. DNA is divided into genes, in which we inherit one copy from each parent. “The long chains of DNA are divided in sections called genes, in which each person inherits two copies of each gene, one from each parent. Humans have approximately 30,000 genes, of which at least 10% are involved in determining the structure and function of the ear (Arnos K. P., 2006, pg. 1).”
Twenty five percent of congenital hearing loss is from non-genetic factors. Some factors are: maternal infections, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, or herpes. Other factors include: premature birth, low birth weight, birth injuries, anoxia, and toxins (ex: drugs and alcohol consumed by the mother during pregnancy).
There are several inheritance patterns for deafness. Autosomal dominant deafness accounts for app...

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... hearing impairment in comparison to other disabilities, and the pragmatic prioritization of their child’s developmental needs. The second theme related to parental understanding of genetics, their assumptions based on sources of knowledge and the personalization of genetic characteristics. The third theme involved parental experiences in their interactions with audiologists. It was determined that when making genetic referrals, audiologists should understand genetics and genetic testing process sufficiently to make referrals.
When making decisions in treating children with hearing loss, knowing the origin might be very useful in future decisions regarding treatment. Genetic testing and counseling can help parents cope and make important decisions for the future of their child, while helping them gain awareness of the genetic cause of their child’s hearing loss.

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