Usher Syndrome

​​​​​​​Genetics and Deafness - Usher Syndrome

About 3-6 percent of all deaf children and perhaps an equal number of hard-of-hearing children have Usher syndrome, which itself is more than one genetic condition. On the basis of clinical findings, at least three types exist (Table 1). Gene localization studies show that each clinical type is due to several different genes located on different chromosomes. The most important clinical distinctions are based on the differences in hearing and balance. The retinitis pigmentosa (RP) may look the same even to an experienced eye doctor except that the symptoms seem to begin earlier in Type I. Usher syndrome is one of several conditions in which both hearing loss and RP are ​present. In this article, the symptoms of RP and the various forms of Usher syndrome will be discussed. Suggestions will be given on where to go for further diagnosis and information.

Table 1: Types of Usher Syndrome

TypeHearing LossBalanceVision Loss from RPGene located on which chromosomeGenes Identified (Protein)
Type IBorn deaf with profound hearing loss Absent inner ear balanceNight blindness in infancy or early childhood. Tunnel vision by age 16, usually1a: 14q
1b: 11q (most common)
1c: 11q (most of Acadian descent from Louisiana)
1d:10q
1e:21q
1f:10p
1g:17q
MY07A (Myosin VII A)
CDH23 (Cadherin 23)
USHIC (Harmonin)
PCDH15 (Protocadherin 15)
Type IIBorn hard of hearing with a sloping sensorineural loss from mild loss in low frequencies to severe-profound loss in high frequencies.Normal inner ear balanceNight blindness begins in the teens. Tunnel vision in the late teens to early 20s.2a: 1q
2b: 3p
2c:5q
USH2A (Usherin)
USH2C (VLGRI)
Type IIIBorn with good hearing or mild hearing loss which gets worse over a decade or more. Looks like Type II in teenagers and young adults; looks like Type I in older people.Progressive balance disturbanceNight blindness in childhood or teens. Tunnel vision becomes pronounced in the 20s.3q


USH3 (Clarin-1)