Guide To Effective Stickler Syndrome Treatment

Stickler syndrome is the name for a group of genetic conditions that cause joint problems, eye abnormalities, hearing loss, and a distinctive facial appearance. The symptoms vary widely among affected patients. In individuals with Stickler syndrome, the facial appearance tends to be somewhat flattened because the bones in the middle of the face are underdeveloped. Patients may have difficulty with breathing and feeding due to the placement of their tongue, a smaller-than-average lower jaw, and a cleft palate. Many individuals have serious nearsightedness. Patients also have varying degrees of hearing loss, which can sometimes be progressive. There are a number of ways to treat the symptoms of Stickler syndrome. Learn about the options now.

Wearing Hearing Aids

Stickler syndrome is caused by mutations to a few different collagen genes. These cause the body not to produce collagen and collagen-related structures properly. Not every patient with Stickler syndrome experiences hearing loss or hearing impairment, though one study found about sixty-three percent of patients reported hearing loss. The majority of patients with hearing loss were young or also had a cleft palate.

Wearing hearing aids may help with hearing loss. There is a wide range of hearing aid options available. Every hearing aid is powered with a battery, and the majority of the ones on the market are digital. The hearing aid uses small microphones to collect environmental sounds, which are then converted into code. The machine adjusts the sound based on the patient's needs and the current environment, then turns the sound back into sound waves.

Learn more about the options for treating Stickler syndrome now.