Flat threshold and mid-frequency hearing impairment in a Dutch DFNA8/12 family with a novel mutation in TECTA. Some evidence for protection of the inner ear.

A novel TECTA mutation (c.5331G>A) was identified affecting alpha-tectorin just N-terminally of the zona pellucida domain in a Dutch family with nonsyndromic autosomal dominant sensorineural hearing impairment. The present mutation is clearly associated with a flat-threshold type of hearing impairment. Intriguingly, our results demonstrated that the present TECTA mutation had a significant protective effect against presbyacusis. Substantial protection against presbyacusis is a novel finding in a family with autosomal dominant hearing impairment. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.