Researchers wanted to learn more about how hearing loss occurs in individuals with changes in the MYO7A gene. They studied a large group of people in Japan who had hearing loss. They found that just over 1% of the people in this group had changes in the MYO7A gene. The researchers looked at when the hearing loss started for these individuals and how it related to the type of gene change they had.
They found that individuals with a change in only one copy of the MYO7A gene (DFNA11) often lost hearing later in life. This is different from people who had changes in both copies of the gene and often lost hearing earlier in life. Researchers also studied treatments like cochlear implants and found that cochlear implants greatly improved hearing for people with MYO7A changes, regardless of which type of genetic change they had.
What this means for the Usher syndrome community: This study helps individuals with changes in the MYO7A gene better understand how their hearing may change over time. It shows how different gene changes can affect when hearing loss begins. The study also shows cochlear implants can improve hearing in those with MY07A-related hearing loss.
