Can Deafness Be Inherited? Genetic Risks for Future Children

Can deafness and mutism be inherited?

Hello, I would like to ask if a foundation like this can give birth to a deaf-mute child.
My boyfriend's grandfather is deaf-mute, and his grandmother is normal; they have one child who inherited deafness and two who are normal.
My boyfriend's mother is normal.
What is the likelihood that my boyfriend and I will have a deaf-mute child in the future?

Xiao Lin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/07/31

Dr. Lai Hexian reply Family Medicine

Hello, the occurrence of deafness and mutism is multifactorial.
Therefore, even if an entire family has no deaf or mute individuals, there is still a chance of having a deaf or mute child.
In your case, it can be said that since the other party's family has had deaf individuals for two consecutive generations, the likelihood of producing a deaf individual in that family is higher compared to a family where everyone is hearing and speaking.

Reply Date: 2008/07/31

More Info

Deafness can indeed be inherited, and understanding the genetic risks associated with it is crucial for prospective parents. In your case, the family history you provided indicates a potential genetic component to deafness, particularly through your boyfriend's grandfather.
To break it down, deafness can be classified into two main categories: syndromic and non-syndromic. Syndromic deafness occurs as part of a syndrome that includes other medical issues, while non-syndromic deafness occurs without other associated conditions. Non-syndromic genetic deafness is often inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that both parents must carry a copy of the mutated gene for their child to be affected. In your boyfriend's family, the fact that his grandfather was deaf and that one of his mother's siblings also inherited this trait suggests that there may be a recessive gene at play.

Given that your boyfriend's mother is hearing and has two normal children, it is likely that she is a carrier of the gene for deafness. If you and your boyfriend decide to have children, there is a possibility that your child could inherit this gene. The risk of having a child with hearing impairment depends on whether you are also a carrier of the gene. If both you and your boyfriend are carriers, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that your child could be affected by deafness.

To assess your risk more accurately, genetic counseling is recommended. A genetic counselor can help you understand the inheritance patterns of deafness in your boyfriend's family, and they can also offer genetic testing to determine if you are a carrier of the gene associated with deafness. This information can help you make informed decisions about family planning.

In addition to genetic factors, environmental influences can also play a role in hearing loss. Factors such as exposure to loud noises, infections during pregnancy, and certain medications can contribute to hearing impairment. Therefore, it is essential to consider both genetic and environmental factors when evaluating the risk of deafness in your future children.

In conclusion, while there is a possibility that your future children could inherit deafness based on your boyfriend's family history, the actual risk depends on whether you are also a carrier of the gene. Consulting with a genetic counselor can provide clarity and help you understand your options moving forward. This proactive approach can empower you to make informed decisions about your family's future health.

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