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Audiometry identifies genetic loci linked to hearing loss

Estimated genetic heritability was 11.8% using hearing thresholds versus 2.9% using diagnostic codes.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • November 13, 2026

  • 5 min

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  • 1

    In a BioVU genome-wide association study, audiometry identified 3 genome-wide significant loci, whereas diagnostic codes identified none.

  • 2

    The audiometry-based analysis included 16,057 participants, compared with 61,468 in the diagnostic code–based analysis.

  • 3

    Functional annotation mapped the 3 audiometry-associated loci to EML6, SPTBN1, ARHGEF28, and EYA4.

  • 4

    Estimated single-nucleotide variant–based heritability was 11.8% for audiometric thresholds and 2.9% for diagnostic codes.

  • 5

    In an independent cohort, each 1-SD increase in the audiometry-derived polygenic risk score was associated with 9% higher odds of self-reported hearing loss.

Original Source(s)

Audiometry identifies genetic loci linked to hearing loss

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • November 13, 2026

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