Genetic mutation a strong indicator of age-related hearing loss risk

Patients who exhibited a certain genetic mutation of anti-oxidant enzymes are three times more likely to develop age-related hearing loss (ARHL), according to new research presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, in San Diego, CA.

The study, which collected DNA samples from 55 patients with ARHL, indicated that there exists a significant correlation between the presence of a mutation of the GSTT1 gene, and age-related hearing loss. Conversely, there were no associations linked to the NAT2 gene.

Anti-oxidant enzymes and their deficiencies have also been implicated as contributors to diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Source: American Academy of Otolaryngology