Title:X-Linked Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Literature Review
VOLUME: 19 ISSUE: 5
Author(s):Virginia Corvino, Pasqualina Apisa, Rita Malesci, Carla Laria, Gennaro Auletta and Annamaria Franze*
Affiliation:Unit of Audiology, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductives and Odontostomatologic Sciences, University of Naples , Unit of Audiology, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductives and Odontostomatologic Sciences, University of Naples , Unit of Audiology, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductives and Odontostomatologic Sciences, University of Naples , Unit of Audiology, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductives and Odontostomatologic Sciences, University of Naples , Unit of Audiology, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductives and Odontostomatologic Sciences, University of Naples , Unit of Audiology, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductives and Odontostomatologic Sciences, University of Naples
Keywords:Cochlear implants, Hearing aids, Non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss, Syndromic sensorineural hearing loss,
X-linked sensorineural hearing loss, X-chromosome.
Abstract:Sensorineural hearing loss is a very diffuse pathology (about 1/1000 born) with several
types of transmission. X-linked hearing loss accounts for approximately 1% - 2% of cases of nonsyndromic
forms, as well as for many syndromic forms. To date, six loci (DFNX1-6) and five genes
(PRPS1 for DFNX1, POU3F4 for DFNX2, SMPX for DFNX4, AIFM1 for DFNX5 and COL4A6 for
DFNX6) have been identified for X-linked non-syndromic hearing loss. For the syndromic forms, at
least 15 genes have been identified, some of which are also implicated in non-syndromic forms.
Moreover, some syndromic forms, presenting large chromosomal deletions, are associated with mental
retardation too.
This review presents an overview of the currently known genes related to X-linked hearing loss with
the support of the most recent literature. It summarizes the genetics and clinical features of X-linked
hearing loss to give information useful to realize a clear genetic counseling and an early diagnosis.
It is important to get an early diagnosis of these diseases to decide the investigations to predict the
evolution of the disease and the onset of any other future symptoms. This information will be clearly
useful for choosing the best therapeutic strategy. In particular, regarding audiological aspects, this review
highlights risks and benefits currently known in some cases for specific therapeutic intervention.
