National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Alström syndrome



What percentage of patients with Alström syndrome become deaf? What is the average age of deafness?


What percentage of patients with Alström syndrome with complete hearing loss?

Progressive sensorineural hearing loss is found in 88% of individuals with Alström syndrome.[1]  About 10% of affected indivduals progress to profound deafness and must rely on sign language for communication.[2]
Last updated: 6/14/2016

What is the average age of deafness in individuals with Alström syndrome?

In up to 70% of individuals with Alström syndrome, hearing loss becomes evident between ages one and ten years. The average age of onset is 9 years old but can range from 2 years to 25 years old.[1]  Hearing loss may progress to be more severe by the end of the first to second decade.[1]
Last updated: 6/14/2016

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  1. Marshall J, Paisey RB, Carey C, Macdermott S. Alström syndrome. GeneReviews. May 31, 2012; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1267/.
  2. Marshall J, et al. Alström Syndrome. European Journal of Human Genetics. 2001; 15:1193-1202. http://www.nature.com/ejhg/journal/v15/n12/full/5201933a.html.