Main description:

Heredity, either alone or in combination with environmental factors, is the most prominent underlying cause of hearing impairment. Thanks in large part to positional cloning techniques, scientists have identified nearly 100 gene loci implicated in hearing loss since 1995-an extraordinarily rapid rate of gene identification. Genetic Hearing Loss branches into syndromic and nonsyndromic categorical directions in its coverage of the genetics behind hearing loss. Authored by 60 internationally recognized researchers, the book describes the normal development of the ear, updates the classification and epidemiology of hearing loss, and surveys the usage of audiometric tests and diagnostic medical examinations.

Contents:

Hearing and hearing loss: normal development of the ear in the human and mouse, audiometric tests and diagnostic workup, classification and epidemiology of hearing loss, Syndromic hearing loss: Usher syndrome, pendred syndrome, Waardenburg syndrome, Nielsensyndrome, HDR syndrome, branchio-oto-renal syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, MYH9, mitochondrial hearingloss, Genes responsible for nonsyndromic hearing loss: gene localization and isolation in nonsyndromic hearing loss, connexins, myosin VI, K+ channel gene KCNQ4, COL11A2, POU-Domain transcription factors, a-Tectorin P. EYA4 DFNA 5 COCH Diaphanous, Claudin 14 CDH23 TMPRSS33, otosclerosis. Miscellaneous factors: mechanisms that regulate hair cell differentiation and regeneration, genetic testing - possibilitiesand attitudes.