A Clear Guide to Genetic Hearing Loss
Clinical Expertise in Genetic Hearing Loss
Genetic hearing loss often runs in families and may appear at birth or later in life, progressing slowly over time. Many people live full, active lives with care. An immediate review is needed for sudden hearing changes, rapid deterioration, unilateral symptoms, severe imbalance, neurological signs, or hearing loss after illness or injury.
Inherited Hearing Changes
An Overview of Genetic Hearing Loss
Genetic hearing loss occurs when changes in genes affect how the ear develops or how it processes hearing signals. These genetic variations may be inherited from one or both parents or arise spontaneously. Hearing loss can be present from birth or develop later in childhood or adulthood, and may remain stable or change gradually over time.
Some genetic forms affect only hearing, while others occur as part of broader genetic syndromes involving balance, vision, or other body systems. The degree and pattern of hearing loss vary widely between individuals, even within the same family. Identifying a genetic cause helps guide monitoring, management decisions, and long-term planning for hearing health.
Pinpointing the Cause
Diagnosing Genetic Hearing Loss
When to Get Checked
Genetic hearing loss often progresses slowly, but certain changes signal the need for timely specialist review.
You should get assessed if hearing worsens rapidly, appears suddenly, affects one ear, follows illness or injury, is linked with balance problems, vision changes, neurological symptoms, developmental delay, or when there is a strong family history combined with new or unexplained hearing changes in children or adults at any stage of life, where symptoms interfere with communication or safety daily.
How We Assess Genetic Hearing Loss
At Harley AVM, we start by building a clear picture of the patient's personal and family hearing history. We explore when hearing changes first appeared, how they have evolved over time, and whether other family members are affected. We also consider childhood development, balance symptoms, and any associated medical conditions to understand how genetics may be influencing hearing.
Symptoms guide assessment, and based on that, tests may include pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, acoustic reflex threshold testing, eustachian tube function tests, otoacoustic emissions, speech audiometry, and speech-in-noise testing. Our senior audiovestibular consultant reviews all findings, ensuring results are interpreted within a lifelong and family-focused clinical context.
Major Insurance Providers Accepted
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Specialist Tests to Assess Hearing, Balance and Inner Ear Health
Harley Street Specialists in Hearing, Dizziness & Balance
Specialist Care for Genetic Hearing Loss
Every Genetic Hearing Loss case is different. Your consultant will create a tailored plan to address your specific symptoms and lifestyle – when it started, how it affects your day, and which tests and treatments are right for you.