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Gene could hold key to hearing loss29 August 2006 Researchers funded by The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) believe they have discovered a gene that causes hearing loss in old age. The study, published in the journal Human Mutation, could lead to a treatment for the condition, which affects 6.5 million people over the age of 60 in the UK. The researchers, at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, tested the hearing of 645 participants aged between 40 and 80. "Many people consider hearing loss as an inevitable part of ageing, rather than a potentially preventable condition," said Dr Ralph Holme, RNID's biomedical research manager. "This research provides another important piece of the jigsaw in highlighting a gene associated with age-related hearing loss." He added: "It offers real hope that treatments will be found and we are optimistic that in the future people will no longer face the prospect of losing their hearing as they age." As well as funding research into treatments for hearing loss, the RNID also provides support and guidance for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The charity offers a confidential five-minute hearing test that can be taken over the phone. More information
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