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Living with Branchiootic syndrome

A rare genetic syndrome with neck cysts or openings, ear differences, and hearing loss, but no kidney problems.

Understanding Branchiootic syndrome

Branchiootic syndrome is a rare genetic syndrome with neck cysts or openings (branchial) and ear differences with hearing loss.

Ear differences can involve the outer, middle, and inner ear. Examples are cupped ears, pits or tags in front of the ear, and differences in the middle and inner ear. There are no kidney differences. It is seen in newborns.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed)
  • Neck openings (branchial fistula)
  • Ear shape differences
  • Pits in front of the ear
  • Middle ear differences
  • Inner ear differences

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

    Specialists who may be involved include ear, nose, and throat specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

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

Care & treatment

Care team
Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
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
Which hearing tests or scans are needed?
Should the kidneys still be checked?
Is genetic testing available?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

Changes in genes cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, so one changed copy of the gene is enough.

Genetic

Also known as: bo syndrome; bor; branchio-otic syndrome; branchiootic dysplasia

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Branchiootic syndromeGARD ID 10148 · 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 Branchiootic syndrome.

Explore the Branchiootic syndrome blog

Explore research for Branchiootic syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Branchiootic syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Branchiootic syndrome 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

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

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