We have several ongoing projects related to hearing loss and deafness in dogs. Hearing loss can be congenital or develop in adulthood without a known trauma. Studies are currently underway in various breeds, such as the Finnish Spitz, Golden Retriever, and Border Collie. Owners of dogs in other breeds with observed hereditary hearing loss are also welcome to contact our research group with a low threshold.
Explore our ongoing studies here!
How to Participate
We welcome samples from all dogs diagnosed with hearing loss or deafness, as well as from their close relatives. Samples are especially needed for ongoing studies.
1. Send us a blood sample from your dog. Instructions for sample collection can be found here..
2. Attachments. If a BAER test has been performed on the dog, we would also be happy to receive this information.
Contact Persons
Doctoral researcher Noora Salokorpi: noora.salokorpi@helsinki.fi
Co-PI Marjo Hytönen: marjo.hytonen@helsinki.fi
Results
Missense variant in LOXHD1 is associated with canine nonsyndromic hearing loss. Hytönen MK, Niskanen JE, Arumilli M, Brookhart-Knox CA, Donner J, Lohi H. Hum Genet. 2021 Nov;140(11):1611-1618. Lue Helsingin yliopiston tiedote: Researchers identify a gene that causes canine hereditary deafness in puppies
