Mapping quantitative trait loci for hearing loss in Black Swiss mice.

In common inbred mouse strains, hearing loss is a highly prevalent quantitative trait, which is mainly controlled by the Cdh23(753A) variant and alleles at numerous other strain-specific loci. Here, we investigated the genetic basis of hearing loss in non-inbred strains. Mice of Swiss Webster, CF-1, NIH Swiss, ICR, and Black Swiss strains exhibited hearing profiles characteristic of progressive, sensorineural hearing impairment.