Multidimensional investigation of auditory dysfunction in Down syndrome

Individuals with Down syndrome, the genetic condition caused by trisomy 21, display widespread auditory dysfunction, with current estimates indicating that ~80% of this population may have one or more forms of hearing loss. However, the mechanisms by which trisomy 21 causes hearing loss are unknown. This project will fund a multi-disciplinary team of synergistic expertise that will employ a combination of human research and research in mouse models of Down syndrome to elucidate how trisomy 21 impairs auditory function.