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Living with X-linked external auditory canal atresia-dilated internal auditory canal-facial dysmorphism syndrome

A rare genetic condition with hearing loss from birth, closed or narrow ear canals, and distinct facial features, with normal intelligence.

Understanding X-linked external auditory canal atresia-dilated internal auditory canal-facial dysmorphism syndrome

This is a rare genetic type of deafness with hearing loss from birth, a closed or narrow outer ear canal, and inner ear differences.

Features include a widened inner ear canal, differently shaped ears, thick eyebrows, drooping eyelids, a broad nasal root, and wide-set eyes. GARD says intelligence is normal and there is no developmental delay.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Hearing loss from birth
  • Closed ear canal (atresia)
  • Narrow ear canal
  • Drooping upper eyelid
  • Thick eyebrows
  • Wide nasal bridge

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. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in GPRASP2 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

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
What hearing supports might help my child?
Could GPRASP2 genetic testing help our family?
Which specialists should be on my child's care team?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceX-Linked
GenesGPRASP2

This condition is caused by changes in the GPRASP2 gene and follows X-linked inheritance.

Genetic

Also known as: deafness, x-linked 7; dfnx7

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · X-linked external auditory canal atresia-dilated internal auditory canal-facial dysmorphism syndromeGARD ID 17926 · 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 X-linked external auditory canal atresia-dilated internal auditory canal-facial dysmorphism syndrome.

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