Protocol Number: 00-DC-0176

Title:

Genetic Studies of Tune Deafness

Number:

00-DC-0176

Summary:

This study will examine the hereditary basis of tone deafness by identifying regions of the human genome linked to this condition. Both exceptionally good pitch recognition (perfect pitch) and exceptionally poor pitch recognition (tone deafness) run in families. A better understanding of what causes tone deafness may provide new insights into auditory (hearing) function.

Individuals with two or more family members 15 years of age or older who are tone deaf or have trouble recognizing different melodies may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a short listening test for pitch and a short written test. Those identified with poor pitch recognition will fill out a brief questionnaire about their family tree and family members (without identifying names) who have trouble recognizing melodies or tones. Individuals with poor pitch recognition will be asked to help contact family members who may be interested in participating.

Members of families with two or more first-degree relatives (parents, grandparents, siblings) who are tone deaf may enroll in the study. They will provide a blood sample (about 2 tablespoons) for genetic studies and may take a 20-minute hearing test using headphones.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Recruitment Detail

Type: Participants currently recruited/enrolled

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: No

Population Exclusion(s): None

Eligibility Criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Individuals over the age of 15.

This study includes both males and females, and includes members of all racial and ethnic groups. This study includes both normal and tune deaf individuals, as well as individuals that may have intermediate scores on the Distorted Tunes Test, indicating a status between completely tune deaf and normal.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Hearing impaired individuals, as first estimated by a score of 25 or greater on the American Academy of Otolaryngology's 5 Minute Hearing Test, or subsequently by audiological exam.

Cognitively impaired individuals.

Family members in families where only one person exhibits tune deafness.

Individuals currently using psychoactive medication.

Special Instructions:

Currently Not Provided

Keywords:

Hearing

Auditory Processing

Pitch Recognition

Recruitment Keyword(s):

Tone Deafness

Tune Deafness

HV

Deafness

Congenital Amusia

Healthy Volunteer

Condition(s):

Healthy

Tone Deafness

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Intervention(s):

None

Supporting Site:

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Contact(s):

Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citation(s):

Perfect pitch

The perception of pitch

Absolute pitch: an approach for identification of genetic and nongenetic components

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Last update: 09/16/2008