Genetic Screening of Patients Presented with Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Abstract

Genetic hearing loss is considered the most common cause of pediatric hearing loss, particularly in developing countries. Recent advances in molecular genetics in the last two decades have shown that mutations in the gap junction b2 subunit (GJB2) gene are responsible for approximately half of the cases of genetic hearing impairment. 35delG mutation found in 31% of the study children with heterozygous alleles. Major difference in radiological, surgical and audiological outcomes found between positive 35delG and negative ones favors early detection of this mutation. 35delG mutation of GJB2 is a good indicator for successful cochlear implants surgery and good prognostic factor for outcome.