Hidden Hearing Respond to Research into Genetic Causes of Deafness
(PRWEB UK) 8 July 2013 -- Research is ongoing into the genetic causes of deafness and identifying deafness-causing genetic variants via next generation DNA sequencing technologies. It is hoped that within the next decade most of the variant genes responsible for deafness will be identified – reports Medical News Today on June 21 in ‘Deafness - Identifying All Genetic Causes Within Reach’.
Identified so far, there are at least 1000 mutations occurring in 64 genes in the human genome which are linked to hearing loss. At least half of all cases of deafness in developed countries have a genetic basis as well as many cases of later onset progressive hearing loss.
According to a review article in Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers called “Next-Generation Sequencing in Genetic Hearing Loss” researchers from the University of Miami have reviewed the advances in new DNA sequencing techniques amplify and repeatedly sequence only specific regions of the human genome in which genes linked to deafness are likely to be found.
Known as ‘targeted resequencing’, it allows researchers to find disease-related gene mutations much more quickly. By identifying all the variant genes responsible for deafness, it is hoped there will be the information to develop practical treatments.
A spokesperson for Hidden Hearing said:
“Genetic research allows us to understand why this kind of hearing loss may occur and why it causes deafness. Hopefully in years to come we will have a medical treatment for many types of genetic hearing loss. However, this type of treatment will be many years from now and it is important to see what other options are available to you. Booking a free hearing test is an ideal way of seeing if a hearing aid might be the right solution for you.”
With more than 40 years’ experience in treating hearing loss, Hidden Hearing is entrusted with the care of more than 100,000 people each year. The firm has 84 hearing centres across the UK, all catering for a range of needs and budgets. Specialising in hearing tests and hearing aids, the company also offer a variety of hearing aid accessories and in 2005, became the first dedicated hearing retailer to be recognised as an Investor in People.
Vicky Moore, Hidden Hearing, http://www.hiddenhearing.co.uk, 01622 697590, [email protected]
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