Usher Syndrome

Usher Syndrome (USH)  is the most common genetic cause of DeafBlindness.  USH impacts three major senses in the body; hearing, vision, and balance.  Children with Usher Syndrome are born with, or develop, a hearing loss, progressive vision loss caused by Retinitis Pigmentosa, and vestibular dysfunction. 

Researchers have identified three major types of Usher Syndrome that are designated as types I, II, and III. These types are distinguished by the severity of hearing loss, the presence or absence of balance problems, and the age at which signs and symptoms appear. The types are further divided into subtypes based on their genetic cause.  Type I USH include individuals that were born deaf, have balance issues, and have a progressive vision loss; many children will experience nightblindness first when they are young. Type II USH individuals may have a hearing loss at birth that is moderate to severe paired with that progressive vision loss, however, they do not experience any issues with balance.  Type III USH usually causes later hearing and vision loss that is progressive.

!!! ADD ABOUT USH COALITION – WHAT THEY DO

For more information please visit the USHER Coalition website: https://www.usher-syndrome.org/what-is-usher-syndrome/usher-syndrome.html