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JScreenWhat is Usher Syndrome Type 3?
Usher syndrome type 3 is an inherited disease that causes progressive hearing loss and vision impairment. The rate at which hearing and vision decline varies greatly from person to person, even among those in the same family. In some people, the hearing and/or vision loss can be profound, while in others it can be milder.
People with Usher syndrome type 3 are born with normal hearing and most commonly develop hearing loss in their teenage years, requiring hearing aids by mid- to late-adulthood. By middle age, they are often completely deaf.
Usher syndrome type 3 causes an eye disease known as retinitis pigmentosa. Often arising during puberty, this causes night blindness that progresses to blind spots in the late teens or early adult years. Peripheral (side) vision is often the first to be reduced. Often by mid-life, the person is legally blind.
Unlike other forms of Usher syndrome, type 3 does not usually cause major problems with balance. Some problems may arise later in life, however.
The disease does not affect intelligence nor does it cause any other health problems.
How common is Usher Syndrome Type 3?
Usher syndrome type 3 is rare, making up just 2% of all cases of Usher syndrome. Type 3 is more common in Finland and among Ashkenazi Jews. One study showed that in the New York City area, 0.7% of Ashkenazi Jews are carriers of a particular mutation, which would mean that 1.2 in 100,000 Ashkenazi Jewish children would be affected.
How is Usher Syndrome Type 3 treated?
There is no cure for Usher syndrome, however there are ways to negotiate the vision and hearing loss it causes.
People with the disease will learn to speak normally before their hearing declines. They can explore a range of options including cochlear implants, hearing aids, or sign language.
A person with Usher syndrome will eventually require low vision aids and specialized instruction on how to cope with their limited vision. They can be prone to accidental injury due to their vision loss and may need to devise systems to avoid such problems.
Specialists in both hearing loss and vision loss can guide people to the best options to fit their needs.
What is the prognosis for a person with Usher Syndrome Type 3?
Usher syndrome type 3 will cause severe hearing and vision impairment by mid-life, however it does not affect one’s lifespan or intelligence.
Resources
A non-profit devoted to pushing for and funding research on the causes of blindness, including retinitis pigmentosa.
11435 Cronhill Drive
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Phone: (800) 683-5555
[email protected]
Explanations of an extensive number of genetic diseases written for everyday people by the U.S. government’s National Institutes of Health. Note that the article refers to several forms of Usher Syndrome, type 3 among them.
A non-profit that advocates for the rights of those with hearing loss, it also has numerous state chapters.
7910 Woodmont Ave, Suite 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 657-2248
An organization devoted to preserving, protecting and promoting the civil, human and linguistic rights of all deaf Americans.
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3819
Phone: (301) 587-1788
TTY: (301) 587-1789
A division of the U.S. government’s National Institutes of Health, NIDCD focuses on improving the lives of people with communication disorders. Note that this site covers all forms of Usher syndrome.
NIDCD Information Clearinghouse
1 Communication Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20892-3456
Phone: (800) 241-1044
TTY: (800) 241-1055
[email protected]
Other Names for Usher Syndrome Type 3
- Usher Syndrome Type 3
- USH3
- Usher Syndrome, Type 3A
- Usher Syndrome, Type III
Take action now to assess your risk for Usher syndrome type 3 and your risk for passing it to your children. To get started with a JScreen genetic test, click here.
Source: Counsyl.
