We are looking for volunteers for the following research studies:
Gene Chip Study - We have created a Deafness GeneChip that allows us to screen for mutations in
many different genes simultaneously that are known to cause deafness. We are currently validating our GeneChip, to
determine its performance characteristics. To do this we are recruiting individuals who have:
Congenital hearing loss, AND
Tested negative for connexin 26 gene mutations, OR
Tested positive for only one connexin 26 gene mutation, AND
No obvious environmental cause for their hearing loss
Preference will be given to individuals with at least one affected sibling (full or half) and parents with normal hearing.
Please contact us for more information.
Connexin 26 Study - We are studying the relationship between Connexin 26 mutations and hearing loss, particularly
variations in the characteristics of the hearing loss. If you or your child has hearing loss caused by Connexin 26 and/or
Connexin 30 mutations, he/she can be a participant in this study. Please contact us for more information.
Genetic Testing and Counseling Study - We are assessing the extent to which families understand their genetic
testing results and the implications of the results. If you or your child has had genetic testing for hearing loss and
you are willing to fill out a questionnaire, please contact us.
Novel Gene Discovery Study - We are searching for novel genes involved in hearing loss by studying large families
with inherited hearing loss. If you have a large family with hearing loss (five or more persons with hearing loss) and
are interested in participating in a study to find the responsible gene, please contact us.
