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F5 (rs6025) and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: What Your Genotype Means

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, often called SSNHL, is a rapid decline in hearing that typically results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. One contributing factor can be changes in blood flow to the tiny vessels that supply the cochlea and related structures. The F5 gene produces the clotting protein Factor V. A well known variant in F5, rs6025, is commonly referred to as Factor V Leiden. Certain versions of this variant change how Factor V is inactivated, increasing clotting tendency and, in some people, raising the risk of microvascular blockages that may affect inner ear blood flow.

Why vascular health matters for hearing

  • Inner ear structures receive blood from very small vessels that are sensitive to blockages and poor circulation.
  • Increased clotting tendency can cause microthrombi or ischemia in these vessels, which may result in rapid hearing loss.
  • Maintaining good vascular health supports oxygen and nutrient delivery to the inner ear and reduces risk factors associated with SSNHL.

General lifestyle strategies to support vascular and ear health

  • Diet: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats. Include sources of omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts.
  • Exercise: Aim for regular aerobic activity, like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, at least 150 minutes per week spread across most days.
  • Weight and metabolic health: Maintain a healthy weight and manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar through lifestyle and medical care as needed.
  • Sleep and stress: Prioritize consistent, restorative sleep and use stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, or gentle movement.
  • Avoid smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and impairs circulation, increasing risk for vascular-related hearing problems.
  • Hydration and moderate alcohol: Stay hydrated and limit excessive alcohol intake, which can affect circulation and overall vascular health.

Genetic interpretations

2 effect alleles (TT) — Factor V Leiden homozygous

If your genotype at rs6025 is TT, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This is the Factor V Leiden homozygous state and is associated with a higher tendency for blood clot formation. Factor V protein inactivation is less efficient, increasing the likelihood of thrombosis. For hearing, this heightened clotting risk can increase the chance of microvascular blockages in the tiny vessels that supply the inner ear, which may lead to sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

What this may mean for you

  • Potentially increased risk of blood clots in both large and small vessels, including those supplying the inner ear.
  • Heightened importance of managing other vascular risk factors to reduce the chance of SSNHL and other clot-related events.

Recommendations to consider

  • Discuss your result with a healthcare provider or a hematologist to assess your overall thrombotic risk and whether further testing or preventive measures are appropriate.
  • Optimize diet with anti inflammatory and circulation-supporting foods rich in omega-3s, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
  • Adopt regular aerobic exercise and avoid prolonged immobility.
  • Stop smoking and avoid other tobacco products.
  • Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar with lifestyle measures and medications when indicated.
  • Be vigilant for symptoms of clotting such as sudden swelling, pain in a limb, chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or sudden changes in hearing or vision; seek prompt medical attention if these occur.
1 effect allele (CT) — Factor V Leiden heterozygous

If your genotype at rs6025 is CT, you carry one copy of the Factor V Leiden variant. This heterozygous state is associated with a likely increased tendency to form blood clots compared to people without the variant. The Factor V protein is somewhat more resistant to inactivation, which can elevate clotting risk and may contribute to microvascular events that affect the inner ear.

What this may mean for you

  • Small but meaningful increase in clotting tendency compared with the non carrier state.
  • Potentially higher susceptibility to SSNHL when combined with other vascular or clotting risk factors.

Recommendations to consider

  • Talk with your healthcare provider about your genotype so they can evaluate personal and family history of clotting, and decide if further testing is helpful.
  • Follow heart and vascular friendly lifestyle steps: balanced diet, regular exercise, healthy weight, smoking cessation, and good sleep hygiene.
  • Consider cardiovascular screening and routine checks of blood pressure and lipids to reduce additive risks.
  • Report any sudden hearing changes or symptoms of clotting immediately to a medical professional.
0 effect alleles (CC) — No Factor V Leiden variant detected

If your genotype at rs6025 is CC, you do not carry the Factor V Leiden variant. Your Factor V protein is expected to function normally, and you do not have the genetic increase in clotting risk associated with this particular variant. That said, many other factors can influence hearing and clotting risk.

What this may mean for you

  • Typical Factor V activity and no increased thrombotic risk from rs6025 itself.
  • Overall vascular and ear health remain influenced by lifestyle, medical conditions, and other genetic factors not captured by this single variant.

Recommendations to consider

  • Continue general vascular and hearing protective habits including a balanced diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and not smoking.
  • Seek evaluation for any sudden changes in hearing to enable timely treatment.
  • Ask your healthcare provider about other personal or family risk factors for clotting or hearing loss if you have concerns.

Tests and professional follow up to discuss with your provider

  • Hematology evaluation if you have a personal or family history of blood clots or if you carry Factor V Leiden.
  • Routine cardiovascular screening including blood pressure, lipid panel, and glucose as indicated for overall vascular risk reduction.
  • Audiology evaluation if you notice sudden or gradual hearing changes. Early evaluation improves options for care in many cases.

Supplements and nutritional considerations

  • Omega-3 fatty acids from dietary sources or a supplement may support vascular health. Discuss dosing with your provider, especially if you take blood thinners.
  • Adequate vitamin D, magnesium, and B vitamins support general health. Check levels with your provider before starting supplements.

PlexusDx provides genetic information to help you understand predispositions and support informed conversations with your healthcare team. This information is educational and not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to medications, supplements, or treatment plans based on genetic results.