CSUN and UCLA has received a 3-year project funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute to learn about what deaf and hard-of-hearing people think about the appropriateness and usefulness of genetic testing for deafness.

As mentioned in their brochure, “In our study, we offer genetic counseling and genetic testing for two genes (Connexin 26 and Connexin 30) because they are known to be a common cause of sensorineural deafness (“nerve deafness”). The results of our study will provide much needed information about the impact of genetic testing for deafness on individuals, the deaf community, and society. Our results will also help to determine how to improve the provision of genetic services to deaf and hard-of-hearing adults.”

CRITERIA: No matter if you are the only person or one of many people in your family who is deaf or hard-of-hearing, you may be eligible to participate as long as you have been deaf or hard-of-hearing since birth or early childhood. You must also be at least 18 years old to participate in this project.

All the testing and counseling is done at no charge and can take place at either University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) or at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

There are different types of deafness. The primary focus of our study is on the sensorineural type. It is important to first learn if your deafness is of this type. We would ask you to have some audiological tests that will be conducted by our research team to learn if you have this type of deafness. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire on the same day.
Through your participation in this study, you may be able to learn if your deafness is due to Connexin 26 or Connexin 30 genes.

Contact: Christina Palmer, Ph.D. and Patrick Boudreault, Ph.D. – Principal Investigators (310) 794-6395 Voice, (310) 267-2502 TTY/Voice, (310) 267-2502 VP, [email protected] or visit their website for more details, www.deafgeneticsproject.org