Hearing loss in Turner syndrome

A retrospective study was undertaken to answer the following questions: Is the sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in Turner syndrome progressive? Can the occurrence of hearing loss be explained by the parental origin of the intact X chromosome? Twenty-four individuals recruited through the Turner Syndrome Society completed a questionnaire and submitted sufficient medical records to determine their otologic status. The majority (21/24) have had problematic otitis media (OM), and two thirds (16/24) have SNHL. In seven of the Turner subjects (age range: 12 to 51 years), gradual progressive SNHL began in late childhood or early adulthood. Molecular techniques showed no correlation between parental origin of the retained X chromosome and hearing status in 17 Turner subjects and at least one of their parents. SNHL and frequent OM appear to be independent variables that are both present in Turner syndrome. It is postulated that the presence of unpaired genes on the X chromosome may account for hearing loss and other phenotypic abnormalities seen in this syndrome.