Genetics of Non-Syndromic Deafness.

The prevalence of permanent sensorineural hearing loss in the UK has been shown to be approxymately 1:1000 children under 3 years and 2:1000 of children under 16 years (Fortnum et al. 2001). The late identification of congenital hearing impairment in particular may lead to delay in language development, significant educational underachievement and ultimately reduced employment opportunities. A Health Technology Assessment review conducted by Bamford and Davis in 1997 highlighted that large numbers of hearing-impaired children were being diagnosed late, and recommended the introduction of a universal neonatal hearing screening programme (Newborn Hearing Screening or NHS), which has since been established in the UK and which exists in other countries (Davis et al. 1997). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]