Nonsyndromic Deafness - Molecular Update

Abstract

In most cases, hearing loss is a disorder caused by both genetic and environmental factors. The molecular description of deafness has experienced remarkable progress in the last decade, and it is emerging from the use of contemporary methods of cell and molecular biology. Currently, through the application of clinical and molecular genetics it is possible to identify genes associated with inherited, nonsyndromic deafness, and balance dysfunctions of the human cochlea. This brief review provides insights into nonsyndromic hearing loss, since the identification of the molecular basis for the inner ear function provides the basis for developing rational new approaches to diagnosis, management and treatment of auditory and vestibular disorders.