Objective: The application of molecular genetic techniques to the study of hereditary hearing impairment has contributed significantly to our understanding of the genetics of deafness. This article reviews the current state of our knowledge regarding the mapping and identification of genes associated with nonsyndromic hereditary hearing impairment.
Data sources: Data were obtained from the medline database, the Molecular Biology of Deafness Meeting, and the Internet.
Study selection: Articles reporting information about the genetics of deafness were selected.
Data extraction: Data pertaining to auditory phenotype, location of genes, identification of genes, and implication for hearing were extracted.
Conclusions: Significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of deafness.