Genetic factors play a crucial role in many cases of hearing impairment, influencing both congenital and progressive forms. This book covers the genetic mechanisms that lead to auditory dysfunction, covering syndromic and non-syndromic types. It outlines current advances in molecular diagnostics, gene mapping, and hereditary patterns. Ethical considerations in genetic counseling and testing are addressed. The book also explores the implications of genetic hearing loss on intervention planning and family communication. It is particularly useful for audiologists, geneticists, and professionals involved in early hearing detection programs.
Beckett Vaughn is a medical geneticist whose work investigates hereditary patterns of hearing impairment and the underlying molecular pathways. He has contributed to several international consortia mapping auditory-related genes. His publications have addressed syndromic and non-syndromic forms of deafness, with a focus on gene-environment interactions. He is actively engaged in genetic counseling education and clinical trials for gene-targeted therapies. His academic interests include auditory genomics, hereditary sensorineural loss, and precision medicine.