Genetic Mutation A Strong Indicator Of Age-Related Hearing Loss Risk

Main Category: Hearing / Deafness
Also Included In: Genetics;  Seniors / Aging;  Ear, Nose and Throat
Article Date: 08 Oct 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Patients who exhibited a certain genetic mutation of anti-oxidant enzymes are three times more likely to develop age-related hearing loss (ARHL), according to new research presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, in San Diego, CA.

The study, which collected DNA samples from 55 patients with ARHL, indicated that there exists a significant correlation between the presence of a mutation of the GSTT1 gene, and age-related hearing loss. Conversely, there were no associations linked to the NAT2 gene.

Anti-oxidant enzymes and their deficiencies have also been implicated as contributors to diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Title: Anti-oxidant Enzymes and Age-Related Hearing Loss
Author: Anthony Bared, MD and Xue Liu; Simon Angeli, MD

Source:
Matt Daigle
American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery