Deafness Genetic Screening Frequently Asked Questions

  1. “Why is my child deaf when we are all normal?”  Recessive inheritance (similar to thalassemia).  2. “Why does a single dose of medication lead to lifelong deafness?”  Carrying a drug susceptibility gene.  3. “Why does the child’s hearing drop sharply after a fall or cold?”  Large vestibular aqueduct syndrome.  4. What is the use of the test?  For adults: guidance on medication, guidance on fertility.  For children: guidance on treatment and medication, guidance on life.  5. How likely is it that a child with a “positive” test will be deaf?  Different cases are treated differently.  GJB2, SLC26A4; mitochondrial gene.  6.Should the child be tested if the parents have been tested?  It is recommended that children of “normal” people should also be screened for mutations.