Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 1A

An inherited form of hearing loss caused by changes in the GJB2 gene.

Understanding Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 1A

Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 1A is a type of hearing loss caused by changes in a gene called GJB2.

Hearing loss happens when both copies of the GJB2 gene have changes. Other subtypes of recessive deafness are caused by changes in other genes. Some people have inner ear hearing loss, and balance function can be affected.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list common symptoms. It lists these as less common:

  • Hearing loss from the inner ear (sensorineural)
  • Balance problems (vestibular changes)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing for the GJB2 gene confirm the diagnosis?
Could my balance also be affected?
What hearing support options might help me or my child?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

It is caused by changes in both copies of the GJB2 gene. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy from each parent.

Also known as: connexin 26 deafness; deafness nonsyndromic, connexin 26 linked; deafness, autosomal recessive 1a; deafness, digenic gjb2/gjb6, autosomal recessive, digenic dominant; deafness, digenic, gjb2/gjb3, autosomal recessive, digenic dominant; dfnb 1 nonsyndromic hearing loss and deafness

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 1AGARD ID 1697 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 1A.

Explore the Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 1A blog

Explore research for Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 1A

Explore actively recruiting Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 1A studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 1A with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 1A studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 1A

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 1A

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 1A experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.