What is Turner Syndrome? How is it related to Hearing Loss?

Turner syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is found in one out of every 2,000 - 4,000 female births. Girls who are not developing at the same pace as their peers and experience recurring ear infections should get the child’s family doctor to test them for Turner syndrome. It is important to get an early diagnosis for proper treatment. Anyone who has this disorder is more prone to higher rates of autoimmune disorders, chronic ear infections, heart, liver, and kidney abnormalities, and hearing loss.

More Insights on Turner Syndrome

In the 23 pairs of sex chromosomes within the human body, there are two sex chromosomes that separate men from women. Males have one X and one Y chromosome in their cells, whereas females feature two X chromosomes. Turner syndrome occurs when females do not have all or part of the second X chromosome.

This syndrome restricts the female body from its natural growth and maturity. It may be diagnosed during pregnancy, infancy, late pre-teen, or early adolescence. Anyone who is affected by this condition may notice certain physical traits such as down-turning eyelids, short stature, low set and prominent ears, and a small jaw. Generally, a blood test is used in order to diagnose this syndrome.

Turner Syndrome and Hearing Health

In a study that was published in the Brazilian Journal of Otolaryngology, individuals with Turner syndrome have several issues concerning their hearing. This indicates that they should frequently get their hearing tested. The prevailing problems that occur are chronic ear infections, conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. 

• Chronic infections found in the middle ear can affect 88 percent of this population. Analysts claim that this percentage declines with age and is nearly gone by the time they become an adolescent.
• Cholesteatoma can be more prevalent in girls who have Turner syndrome, because of constant ear infections. The cyst-like growths are not malignant, they can lead to additional hearing issues such as difficulty with balance and dizziness, or meningitis if it goes untreated.
• Conductive hearing loss found in those with Turner syndrome can reach up to 80 percent, mainly because of issues with the Eustachian tube and the incidence of chronic ear infections. This is not a progressive condition, but it may affect language acquisition and development in speech if left untreated.
• Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) generally manifests in late childhood/early adulthood. About 90 percent of this population is affected by it. SNHL is a progressive form of hearing loss, which means that it gets worse as a person ages. Based on how severe the hearing loss is, most symptoms of SNHL can be treated with hearing aids. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. We offer a variety of hearing aid solutions for your individual needs.​

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