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Living with Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 9

An inherited hearing condition caused by changes in the OTOF gene, with two forms.

Understanding Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 9

Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 9 (DFNB9) is a genetic condition that affects hearing and is caused by changes in the OTOF gene.

One form is present at birth with severe to profound deafness, which standard newborn hearing screening may not detect. In the other form, hearing is normal to moderately reduced at usual body temperature, but a slight rise in body temperature can cause a significant, temporary drop in hearing.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition. The summary describes these features:

  • Severe to profound deafness at birth (one form)
  • Normal to moderate hearing loss (other form)
  • Hearing that gets worse during a fever or higher body temperature

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 OTOF gene confirm which form I or my child has?
Why might standard newborn screening miss this?
How should we plan for times when there is a fever?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

It is caused by changes in the otoferlin (OTOF) gene. It is autosomal recessive, so two changed copies of the gene are needed, one from each parent.

Also known as: auditory neuropathy, autosomal recessive, 1, temperature-sensitive; deafness, autosomal recessive 9; neurosensory nonsyndromic recessive deafness 9; otof-related hearing loss

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 9GARD ID 22588 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

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Perspectives from people navigating life with Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss 9.

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