Audiometric and Vestibular Features in a Second Dutch DFNA20/26 Family with a Novel Mutation in ACTG1

Objectives: We analyzed the phenotype in a 5-generation DFNA20/26 family with a novel missense mutation in the ACTG1 gene (c.151G>A) and compared the findings to previous reports on DFNA20/26 families.

Methods: Audiometric data were collected from the family members of a Dutch kindred with the novel ACTG1 mutation. Cross-sectional and/or longitudinal analyses were performed on pure tone and speech audiometry data of the mutation carriers. Age-related typical audiograms were constructed. Vestibular examination was performed in all mutation carriers.

Results: Overall, high-frequency hearing impairment, most prominent at ages over 30 years, was observed with a progression rate of 1.1 to 2.1 dB/y, increasing with frequency. It ultimately resulted in residual hearing. Speech recognition scores remained good at given pure tone average (1, 2, and 4 kHz) levels, but were slightly poorer than those at similar levels in a group of patients with presbycusis. Vestibular examination did not reveal any consistent, statistically significant abnormalities.

Conclusions: The audiometric phenotype of the Dutch DFNA20/26 family with a novel mutation in ACTG1 was largely consistent with previous reports on DFNA20/26. Considerable variations were found in audiogram configurations within the family. This is the first known DFNA20/26 family that has experienced tinnitus.