Retinitis pigmentosa and progressive hearing loss.

Much material has been written about the deaf-blind patient diagnosed as having Usher's syndrome, a pathologic condition involving hearing impairment and retinitis pigmentosa. Contrary to the accepted pattern of prelingual deafness in such cases, however, there are a number of patients who report a progressive, postlingual hearing loss associated with retinitis pigmentosa. These patients may suffer from a variation of classical Usher's syndrome. An attempt is made to verify this statement through presentation of case histories and audiologic findings. In addition, diagnostic and rehabilitative techniques employed in assisting patients with these dual impairments are offered.