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EDN1 and Hearing Health: What Your Genotype Means

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or SSNHL, is a rapid decline in hearing that typically occurs within hours to days. It often stems from damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve and can be linked to impaired blood flow and inflammation. The EDN1 gene makes endothelin-1, a protein that causes blood vessels to constrict. Variations in EDN1 can change how much endothelin-1 is produced or how it functions, which may influence blood flow to the cochlea, the tiny organ in the inner ear responsible for converting sound to nerve signals. Reduced blood flow or excessive vasoconstriction in the cochlea can increase vulnerability to SSNHL.

How to read this result

  • We report genotype at rs5370 in the EDN1 gene.
  • Effect allele here refers to the variant associated with higher EDN1 activity and increased risk of SSNHL.
  • This report is educational. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about medical concerns, testing, or treatment.

Practical takeaways

  • If your genotype indicates increased risk, focus on vascular and ear protective strategies to help reduce triggers.
  • Cardiovascular health and inflammation control support cochlear blood flow and overall hearing health.
  • Discuss any supplements or major lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider, especially if you take medications or have chronic conditions.

Genetic Interpretations

2 effect alleles (TT) — Increased risk for SSNHL

If your genotype is TT at rs5370, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a higher likelihood of increased endothelin-1 activity, which can promote stronger or more frequent constriction of small blood vessels, including those that supply the cochlea. When cochlear blood flow is reduced, the sensitive hair cells and supporting structures in the inner ear are less able to receive oxygen and nutrients. That can raise your susceptibility to sudden sensorineural hearing loss, a rapid decline in hearing that can occur over hours to days.

Actionable considerations

  • Prioritize cardiovascular risk management including blood pressure and cholesterol control.
  • Adopt a diet high in antioxidants and anti inflammatory foods such as leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, fatty fish, and whole grains.
  • Protect your ears from loud noise and avoid situations with prolonged or repeated high volume exposure.
  • Avoid tobacco and limit excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Talk with your provider about monitoring hearing and vascular health, and about whether magnesium, zinc, or B vitamin supplements are appropriate for you.
1 effect allele (GT) — Likely increased risk for SSNHL

If your genotype is GT at rs5370, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This pattern suggests a likely elevated risk for higher endothelin-1 activity compared with the non effect genotype, but typically less than someone with two effect alleles. Even one effect allele may slightly increase the tendency for vasoconstriction in small cochlear vessels, which can contribute to vulnerability to SSNHL, especially when combined with other vascular or inflammatory stressors.

Actionable considerations

  • Focus on cardiovascular and metabolic health to support steady cochlear perfusion.
  • Include antioxidant rich foods, omega 3 fats, and anti inflammatory choices in your regular diet.
  • Use ear protection in noisy environments and limit recreational loud sound exposure.
  • Consider lifestyle changes that lower inflammation such as regular physical activity, stress reduction, and smoking cessation.
  • Discuss with your provider whether targeted supplements like magnesium, zinc, or B complex might be helpful in your case.
0 effect alleles (GG) — Typical risk for EDN1-related SSNHL

If your genotype is GG at rs5370, you carry two copies of the non effect allele. This genotype is associated with typical or baseline genetic risk for EDN1 related hearing loss. It does not eliminate other causes of SSNHL, but it suggests you do not carry the EDN1 variant associated with greater vasoconstriction risk.

Actionable considerations

  • Maintain standard hearing and cardiovascular health practices to reduce general risk for hearing decline with age.
  • Follow noise safety practices and treat ear infections or other ear symptoms promptly.
  • Continue routine health checks including blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring.

Dietary and Supplement Recommendations

Eating for vascular and inner ear health focuses on nutrient density, inflammation control, and blood flow support.

  • Antioxidant rich foods: colorful fruits and vegetables provide vitamins C and E and flavonoids that protect small blood vessels.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids: fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseed support vascular function and may reduce inflammation.
  • Magnesium: may help support blood flow and nerve function. Discuss dose and safety with your healthcare provider before starting.
  • Zinc and B vitamins: these nutrients support nerve health and repair processes. Use under medical guidance, especially if you are taking other medications.
  • Limit processed foods high in sodium and trans fats which can worsen vascular health and blood pressure.

Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Exercise regularly. Aim for a mix of aerobic activity and strength training to improve circulation and cardiovascular risk profile.
  • Manage blood pressure and cholesterol. Work with your provider to set targets and treatments if needed.
  • Quit smoking. Tobacco damages blood vessels and raises risk for vascular related hearing problems.
  • Protect ears from loud noise. Use earplugs or noise reducing headphones in noisy environments and keep personal audio devices at safe volumes.
  • Reduce chronic inflammation. Prioritize sleep, manage stress, and aim for a healthy weight to lower overall inflammatory burden.

When to talk with your healthcare provider

  • If you experience sudden hearing loss, seek medical evaluation immediately. Early treatment can improve outcomes.
  • Before starting supplements such as magnesium, zinc, or high dose B vitamins, confirm safety with your provider, especially if you take medications or have kidney disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions.
  • If you have cardiovascular risk factors, discuss targeted prevention and monitoring to support both heart and hearing health.

Limitations and important notes

Your genotype at rs5370 indicates a predisposition related to EDN1, not a certainty of developing SSNHL. Genetics is one piece of risk. Environment, lifestyle, other genes, infections, and medical conditions also influence hearing outcomes. This educational report is not a diagnosis or medical advice. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret genetic results in the context of your medical history and to decide on testing or treatment.