Whether or not a person suffers hearing loss due to loud noise may depend on their genes , research suggests . Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses and members of the armed forces are particularly vulnerable . In 2013 , the US Department of Veterans Affairs reported hearing loss as one of the most common ailments among veterans receiving disability compensation . Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses , doctors have warned . Now , however , scientists at the University of Southern California believe they have made a breakthrough in their understanding of the condition . They have identified a gene , named Nox3 , found in the inner ear , that is crucial in determining how vulnerable a person is to developing hearing loss . Their research , looking at the DNA of mice exposed to noise , is the first published genome-wide association study on noise-induced hearing loss in mice . As a result of the findings , those at higher , genetic risk for hearing loss can decide whether to take precautionary measures to protect their hearing prior to hazardous noise exposure , the study authors say . 'Understanding the biological processes that affect susceptibility to hearing loss due to loud noise exposure is an important factor in reducing the risk , ' said lead study author Professor Rick Friedman . 'We have made great advances in hearing restoration , but nothing can compare to protecting the hearing you have and preventing hearing loss in the first place . ' Scientists have identified a gene , named Nox3 , found in the inner ear , that is crucial in determining how vulnerable a person is to developing hearing loss . While some gene association studies on noise-induced hearing loss in people have been conducted in the past , all were very small and their results unreplicated . Genome wide association studies search the entire DNA for common mutations to see if any of those are linked with a trait . Mouse genome wide association studies have lead to the discovery of hundreds of genes involved in complex traits that have immediate relevance to people . The study was published in the journal PLOS Genetics . An earlier version of this piece existed but has now been amended .
Research was conducted at the university of Southern California . Scientists there have identified a gene , named Nox3 , located in the inner ear . finding this is crucial in assessing a patient 's vulnerability to hearing loss . Noise - induced hearing loss is most common work - related illness in the US .