Is Hearing Loss Hereditary?

Hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process, but is it also passed along through genetics?

Hearing loss is common, but were you aware of just how widespread it actually is?

According to the latest information from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 30 million people in the United States have some form of hearing loss in both of their ears.

That’s a significant number, one that amounts to about 13% of our population who could benefit from hearing care. But this number also represents something bigger for the future.

This large sample size allows experts to make important discoveries about the nature of hearing loss, more effective methods for treating hearing loss, and how we can help people protect and preserve hearing as they age.

One important set of questions that researchers have long studied relates to the different ways in which we get hearing loss. Specifically, is hearing loss hereditary?

And the answer is yes, sometimes hearing loss can be hereditary, even if your family history doesn’t appear to include hearing loss. It doesn't account for all hearing loss, of course, but it does represent about 50% of the reported cases of hearing loss in the United States.

Of those cases, about 30% are considered syndromic (meaning they are associated with signs and symptoms of other conditions in the body), and the remaining 70% are considered non-syndromic and are not associated with any additional signs or symptoms.

Another important distinction: Hereditary and genetic hearing loss are different.

• Hereditary hearing loss stems from a genetic mutation passed on by your parents
• Genetic hearing loss refers to a genetic mutation developed later in life

In other words, while all hereditary hearing loss is genetic, not all genetic hearing loss is hereditary.

And while genetics can play a role in hearing loss, there are other health conditions associated with hearing loss that we should all be aware of.

Health Conditions Associated With Hearing Loss

When the human body is experiencing two or more health conditions concurrently, it is referred to as comorbidity.

In recent years, health experts have noticed that hearing loss is frequently among those comorbid health conditions. Some of these health conditions put you at risk of developing hearing loss, whereas other conditions may be a result of untreated hearing loss.

Health conditions associated with the development of hearing loss include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea
• Smoking

Health conditions that may be a result of untreated hearing loss include:

• Cognitive decline
• Dementia
• Social isolation
• Depression
• Falling risk

While experts recommend a healthy diet, regular exercise, getting proper sleep and maintaining social relationships for wellness and longevity, the importance of working with your primary healthcare professionals, including a hearing care provider, cannot be overstated.

A hearing care professional will work with you to understand your lifestyle, where you’re struggling to hear, the nature of your hearing loss and, if necessary, the hearing technology options that will help you hear your best.

The Best Way to Combat Hereditary Hearing Loss? Early Intervention.

Early intervention is the key to treating all types of hearing loss, including hereditary hearing loss.

Hearing loss is typically a progressive condition, meaning the longer it goes untreated, the worse it will become.

Many people with hearing loss don’t even realize that they’re experiencing the condition, because their brains are compensating by working harder to process sounds in loud environments.

This is why certain social activities, like family gatherings and restaurants, can feel so exhausting. You’re not only straining to hear, but you’re also straining to understand.

For many, the difficulty of hearing speech in loud situations leads to social isolation, and that social isolation will often worsen a person’s hearing loss.

People over the age of 55 should schedule annual appointments with a hearing care provider in order to understand the nature of their hearing. This will help you detect hearing loss early, and the earlier you become aware of hearing loss, the more likely you will have options to preserve your hearing and continue to enjoy the activities you love with the people who mean the most to you.

Can Hearing Aids Treat Genetic and Hereditary Hearing Loss?

As is true for all types of hearing loss, using hearing aids to treat hereditary and genetic hearing loss depends on the severity of the person’s hearing condition.

The good news is that even those with severe hearing loss can often benefit from regularly worn, properly fitted hearing technology.

The most important thing for you and your loved ones is to understand the nature of your hearing condition so that you can be empowered to take control of your hearing health.

This is why Beltone offers free hearing screenings to new patients. We want to make hearing care more accessible to those curious or concerned about their hearing health.

No matter how you’ve come to have a treatable hearing loss, whether by genetics, the natural process of aging, or exposure to excessive noise, a Beltone hearing care professional can help you better understand your hearing loss, your treatment options, and the technology best suited to support your lifestyle.

Concerned About Hereditary Hearing Loss? Schedule Your Free Hearing Screening Today.

The causes of hearing loss can vary, but getting the care you need is always essential to your hearing health.

If you have noticed hearing loss symptoms in yourself or a loved one, don’t delay in seeking treatment.