What is usher syndrome?
Usher syndrome is a genetic condition which affects vision, hearing and, in some cases, balance. Vision loss caused by usher syndrome is due to a condition called retinitis pigmentosa. The hearing loss is due to a condition called sensorineural deafness. Additionally, many people with usher syndrome experience problems with balance.
There are three types of usher syndrome
- Usher type 1 - People who are usually born with profound hearing loss in both ears. Babies may show delays in sitting and walking, and experience disorientation throughout their life
- Usher type 2 - People who have usher type 2 are usually born with a mild to severe hearing loss in both ears. It is characterised, in most cases, by the development of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in the teens or early twenties
- Usher type 3 - Usher type 3 is characterised by gradual sight and hearing loss, which occurs later in life after a person has learnt to speak. Some people can develop severe hearing loss while others may not.
For further information contact Sense on 0300 330 9256 or email [email protected]. You can also visit their website sense.org.uk.
For information on retinitis pigmentosa see What is retinitis pigmentosa (RP)?
