Genetics and Hearing Loss: Fundamentals of Genetics

Featuring

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  Hela Azaiez
  PhD

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  Dr. Azaiez is an expert in human molecular genetics and genomics, with a specialized focus on the genetic underpinnings of hearing loss. Her research program combines advanced genomic technologies, computational tools, and functional studies using animal models to investigate the complex genetic architecture of auditory dysfunction. A central goal of her work is to bridge discovery and clinical care through translational research, thereby enhancing genetic diagnosis and implementing precision medicine approaches in hearing health. During her tenure at the University of Iowa’s Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Azaiez led the Hearing Loss Team at the Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories (MORL) and directed an independent research group dedicated to uncovering the genetic drivers and molecular mechanisms of hearing loss. Her team spearheaded the development of the Deafness Variation Database (DVD), a first-of-its-kind global resource cataloging genes and variants associated with hearing loss. Now used by over 3,000 clinicians and researchers worldwide, the DVD has become an essential tool for genetic testing and informed clinical decision-making. Dr. Azaiez holds leadership roles in international collaborative efforts, including the ClinGen Hearing Loss Gene and Variant Expert Panels and the Lancet Commission on Hearing Loss, contributing to the development of globally recognized standards for variant classification and diagnostics. In her current role at Indiana University, she is committed to advancing genomic discovery, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentoring the next generation of scientists and clinicians in the field of auditory genetics.

  Financial Disclosures: Dr. Azaiez receives compensation from Indiana University School of Medicine as Assistant Professor. She also receives compensation from Hearing First to teach this course.

  Non-financial Disclosures: Dr. Azaiez is an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Audiology and Otology, Academic Editor for PLOS ONE, and on the Editorial board for Otology and Neurotology. She is a Member of the Membership Engagement Committee at the American Society of Human Genetics. She is Chair of Hearing Loss Gene Curation Expert Panel, serves on the Hearing Loss Clinical Domain Working Group and the Alport Syndrome Variant Curation Expert Panel with Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen).

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  Kevin Booth
  PhD

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  Dr. Kevin TA Booth is currently a Laboratory Genetics and Genomics Fellow in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics at Indiana University School of Medicine. He received a B.A. in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine from the University of Iowa. His doctoral research focused on unraveling the genetic complexities of hereditary hearing loss. Dr. Booth then pursued a post-doctoral fellowship at the Neurobiology department at Harvard Medical School working on developing novel approaches for gene therapy for hearing loss. Dr. Booth’s current work centers around improving our understanding of inherited disease through genetics and translating these insights into clinical applications.

  Financial Disclosures: Dr. Booth receives compensation from Indiana University School of Medicine as Laboratory Genetics and Genomics Fellow. He also receives compensation from Hearing First to teach this course.

  Non-financial Disclosures: Dr. Booth is on the Editorial Board for Human Genetics, Frontiers in Genetics, International Journal of Molecular Sciences as well as Senior Editor for Annals of Human Genetics. He is also a member and serves on committees for of Association for Research in Otolaryngology, and The American Society of Human Genetics. He is a member of the ClinGen Hearing Loss Gene and variant curation expert panels and the Hearing Loss Clinical Domain Working Group.