Identification of environmental and genetic risk factors for age related hearing impairment

Objective

In the 21st century, Europe will face the burden of its ageing population. The most common sensory impairment among the elderly is age related hearing impairment (ARHI). In this project, we want to identify the ethiological factors involved in ARHI, including the genetic causes, the environmental causes and the interaction between them. A large cohort of patients and controls, originating from various parts of Europe, will be subjected to audiologic evaluation, genetic analysis and a questionnaire on suspected environmental risks. We expect to identify the major susceptibility genes and clarify the role of environmental risk factors. The interaction between the different factors will be studied using neural network computing. Based upon these results, guidelines will be formulated for the prevention of ARHI.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-6. - Key action The Ageing Population and Disabilities

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN

Address

Prinsstraat 13
2000 Anvers /Antwerpen
Belgium

Participants (9)

AZIENDA OSPEDALIERA DI PADOVA

Italy

Address

Via Giustiniani 1
35128 Padova

BISPEBJERG HOSPITAL

Denmark

Address

Bispebjerk Bakke 23
2400 NV Koepenhagen

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

United Kingdom

Address

Health Park
CF14 4XN Cardiff

ILLUMINA INC

United States

Address

9885 Towne Centre Drive
92121-1975 San Diego

RHEINISCHE FRIEDRICH-WILHELMS-UNIVERSITAET BONN

Germany

Address

Sigmund-freud-strasse, 25
53105 Bonn

STICHTING KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT

Netherlands

Address

Philips Van Leydenlaan 15
6500 HB Nijmegen

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL ANTWERP

Belgium

Address

Wilrijkstraat 10
2650 Edegem

UNIVERSITY OF OULU

Finland

Address

Kajaanintie 50
90014 Oulu

UNIVERSITY OF TAMPERE

Finland

Address

4,Medisiinarinkatu 3
33014 Tampere