article: Whether or not a person suffers hearing loss due to loud noise may depend on their genes, research suggests. Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses and members of the armed forces are particularly vulnerable. In 2013, the US Department of Veterans Affairs reported hearing loss as one of the most common ailments among veterans receiving disability compensation. Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses, doctors have warned . Now, however, scientists at the University of Southern California believe they have made a breakthrough in their understanding of the condition. They have identified a gene, named Nox3, found in the inner ear, that is crucial in determining how vulnerable a person is to developing hearing loss. Their research, looking at the DNA of mice exposed to noise, is the first published genome-wide association study on noise-induced hearing loss in mice. As a result of the findings, those at higher, genetic risk for hearing loss can decide whether to take precautionary measures to protect their hearing prior to hazardous noise exposure, the study authors say. 'Understanding the biological processes that affect susceptibility to hearing loss due to loud noise exposure is an important factor in reducing the risk,' said lead study author Professor Rick Friedman. 'We have made great advances in hearing restoration, but nothing can compare to protecting the hearing you have and preventing hearing loss in the first place.' Scientists have identified a gene, named Nox3, found in the inner ear, that is crucial in determining how vulnerable a person is to developing hearing loss . While some gene association studies on noise-induced hearing loss in people have been conducted in the past, all were very small and their results unreplicated. Genome wide association studies search the entire DNA for common mutations to see if any of those are linked with a trait. Mouse genome wide association studies have lead to the discovery of hundreds of genes involved in complex traits that have immediate relevance to people. The study was published in the journal PLOS Genetics. An earlier version of this piece existed but has now been amended.
highlights: Research was conducted at the University of Southern California .
  Scientists there have identified a gene, named Nox3, found in the inner ear .
  Say this is crucial in determining a person's vulnerability to hearing loss .
  Noise-induced hearing loss is most common work-related illness in the US .
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