into neurological signals to be interpreted by the brain. Without properly functioning potassium channel, the potassium conductance is reduced, which is critical for maintaining the endocochlear functioning properly. This implies that more potassium ions leave rather than going into the cell. This causes a lack of sound wave translation into neurological signals, which the brain is unable to understand or interpret. Potassium is also necessary on hair cells, which are mainly under concentration in the endolymph, which is an inner ear fluid membrane. Without the use of potassium channels or entry of potassium in appropriate regions, there is a lack of signal transduction that help with processing sounds. Even though sensorineural deafness is irreversible, one treatment are cochlear implants, which includes a microphone and electronic devices that sit externally to the head. When sound is emitted to the microphone, it converts the sound waves into electrical impulses. In contrast to hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants are designed to stimulate the auditory nerve. Tubulopathy Tubulopathy is represented by the T in the acronym EAST syndrome. This is a renal salt wasting tubulopathy involved in the kidneys. The mutation involved in EAST syndrome causes subnormal absorption of certain ions such as Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. The KCNJ10 gene is associated with a K+ channel in the distal convoluted tubule and the connecting tubule, two specific regions of the kidneys. These regions play a role in the excretion and absorption of salts. The KCNJ10 is an inwardly rectifying potassium channel which means it is important in the recycling of K+ believed to further be useful in building a gradient for Na+/K+ - ATPase's. In addition to diminishing Na+/K+ - ATPase's inadequate KCNJ10 functioning leads to depolarization of the basolateral membrane which reduces electrogenic transporters' driving force. The lack of Na+ typically leads to the low blood pressure typical of EAST syndrome patients. The salt wasting tubulopathy of EAST syndrome most closely resembles that of Gitelman syndrome which is the most common syndrome affecting the distal convoluted tubule. Diagnosis Management EAST syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder; therefore, it cannot necessarily be prevented. Presence of the four symptoms (epilepsy, ataxia, sensorineural deafness, and salt-wasting renal tubulopathy) and detection of a mutation in the KCNJ10 gene would indicate the presence of this disorder. There is not yet one method to help EAST syndrome as a whole, but hopefully with continued research, there could