Use of a Network-Based Method to Identify Latent Genes Associated with Hearing Loss in Children

Hearing loss is a total or partial inability to hear. Approximately 5% of people worldwide experience this condition. Hearing capacity is closely related to language, social, and basic emotional development; hearing loss is particularly serious in children. The pathogenesis of childhood hearing loss remains poorly understood. Here, we sought to identify new genes potentially associated with two types of hearing loss in children: congenital deafness and otitis media. We used a network-based method incorporating a random walk with restart algorithm, as well as a protein-protein interaction framework, to identify genes potentially associated with either pathogenesis. A following screening procedure was performed and 18 and 87 genes were identified, which potentially involved in the development of congenital deafness or otitis media, respectively. These findings provide novel biomarkers for clinical screening of childhood deafness; they contribute to a genetic understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms involved.

Present Scenario of Childhood Deafness: A Tertiary Level Health Care Study

Introduction Hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit in humans today. Approximately 63 million people in India suffer from significant auditory impairment. Materials and Methods Fifty children of 0-7 years age group, presented to a tertiary level center in Kolkata were assessed by objective and behavioural audiological tests. Result Mean age of presentation was found to be 40.5 months. No risk factor could be identified in 72% of the cases. 47% fell into the profoundly deaf category. Discussion Numerous studies agree that half of the infants with sensorineural hearing loss have no risk factors at birth and thus would be missed by a targeted hearing screening. Conclusion India certainly faces a worse situation regarding childhood deafness. Implementation of universal neonatal hearing screening along with pre-school hearing assessment can certainly change the scenario.

Dual sensory impairment in special schools in South-Eastern Nigeria

In a cross-sectional study to determine the magnitude of dual sensory impairment (DSI-combined hearing and vision loss) in children in single-disability special education schools, children in schools for the blind and schools for the deaf in four states in South-East Nigeria were examined by an ophthalmologist and otorhinolaryngologist to determine the level of their disability and to identify other disabilities if any. Participants were all students with childhood blindness or childhood deafness. The magnitude and causes of DSI and the burden of undetected DSI were the main outcome measures. A total of 273 students were examined. About 7% of these students had DSI out of which over 60% (12/19) was previously undetected. There was more DSI in the blind schools than in the deaf schools (p=0.003). There is a large burden of undetected DSI in children in special schools in Nigeria. There is a need to create awareness of this problem and advocate appropriate screening, rehabilitative and educational strategies for children who have it.

Ear, nose, and throat

This chapter outlines ear, nose and throat diseases. It includes ENT examination, prevalence of ENT symptoms, the ear, audiology, painful ears, discharging ears, fluid in the middle ear, childhood deafness, cochlear implants, deafness in adults, tinnitus, acoustic neuroma, noise induced hearing loss, vertigo, rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps, the paranasal sinuses, nasal injury and foreign bodies, nosebleed (epistaxis), throat infections, stridor, acute airway obstruction, hoarseness, laryngeal nerve palsy, head and neck cancers, dysphagia, facial palsy, lumps in the neck, the salivary glands, dry mouth (xerostomia), and dentistry for doctors.

Complexity: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experiences of mothers of deaf children with cochlear implants and autism

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of parenting a child with a dual diagnosis of childhood deafness and autism spectrum disorder who underwent cochlear implantation. Experiences of these parents are rarely discussed within the literature. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used to examine nine mothers of boys (4–9 years old) for understanding their parenting experiences. Three superordinate themes were identified: complexity, personal and family sacrifices and parent–professional partnerships. These themes provide a rich account of mothers’ interpretations of their experiences, and reflect the numerous challenges they face. This study helps expand the literature on cochlear implantation for children with autism spectrum disorder, and discusses implications for clinical and educational practice.

ACEMg Diet Supplement Modifies Progression of Hereditary Deafness

Dietary supplements consisting of beta-carotene (precursor to vitamin A), vitamins C and E and the mineral magnesium (ACEMg) can be beneficial for reducing hearing loss due to aminoglycosides and overstimulation. This regimen also slowed progression of deafness for a boy with GJB2 (CONNEXIN 26) mutations. To assess the potential for treating GJB2 and other forms of hereditary hearing loss with ACEMg, we tested the influence of ACEMg on the cochlea and hearing of mouse models for two human mutations: GJB2, the leading cause of childhood deafness, and DIAPH3, a cause of auditory neuropathy. One group of mice modeling GJB2 (Gjb2-CKO) received ACEMg diet starting shortly after they were weaned (4 weeks) until 16 weeks of age. Another group of Gjb2-CKO mice received ACEMg in utero and after weaning. The ACEMg diet was given to mice modeling DIAPH3 (Diap3-Tg) after weaning (4 weeks) until 12 weeks of age. Control groups received food pellets without the ACEMg supplement. Hearing thresholds measured by auditory brainstem response were significantly better for Gjb2-CKO mice fed ACEMg than for the control diet group. In contrast, Diap3-Tg mice displayed worse thresholds than controls. These results indicate that ACEMg supplementation can influence the progression of genetic hearing loss.