what is usher syndrome?
USH
Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common genetic cause of combined deafness and blindness. As a progressive condition, vision and hearing deteriorate over time. Currently, there is no cure for Usher syndrome.
THREE TYPES OF USHER SYNDROME
There are three clinical types of Usher syndrome: Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3. Each type is distinguished by the age when the symptoms appear, as well as the severity of the symptoms that include hearing, vision and sometimes balance. DNA testing is available to confirm the type. I have Usher syndrome Type 2.
USH TYPE 1
HEARING: born with profound deafness
VISION: decreased night vision before age 10
BALANCE: problems from birth
USH TYPE 2
HEARING: born with moderate to severe hearing loss
VISION: decreased night vision begins in late childhood or teens
BALANCE: normal
USH TYPE 3
HEARING: normal at birth; progressive loss in childhood or early teens
VISION: varies in severity; night vision problems begin in teens
BALANCE: normal to near normal; chance of later problems
ADDITIONAL FACTS ABOUT USHER SYNDROME
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At the moment, there is no cure for Usher syndrome, however researchers are hard at work seeking out treatments to potentially slow, stop, or even reverse vision loss and hearing.. The Usher Syndrome Society is a non-profit that is raising awareness and funds to support this critical research.Â
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