Cracking the auditory genetic code: Nonsyndromic hereditary hearing impairment

Objective: The application of molecular genetic techniques to the study of hereditary hearing impairment has contributed significantly to our understa nding of the genetics of deafness. This article reviews the current state o f our knowledge regarding the mapping and identification of genes associate d with nonsyndromic hereditary hearing impairment. Data Sources: Data were obtained from the medline database, the Molecular B iology of Deafness Meeting, and the Internet. Study Selection: Articles reporting information about the genetics of deafn ess were selected. Data Extraction: Data pertaining to auditory phenotype, location of genes, identification of genes, and implication for hearing were extracted. Conclusions: Significant progress has been made in understanding the molecu lar pathogenesis of deafness.