Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy and accompanying hearing loss

Abstract

Facioscapulohumeral (FSH) muscular dystrophy (MD) is an autosomal dominant condition marked by muscle weakness primarily in the face, shoulder girdle, and legs. Intelligence and life span are normal and the spectrum of disability is broad. Flaccid dysarthria results from the facial muscle paralysis. A pair of siblings had FSH MD that was accompanied by the unusual finding of sensorineural hearing loss. Speech and audiologic aspects are presented and etiologic explanations are suggested. Careful audiologic evaluation of all patients with FSH MD is advised so that sensorineural hearing loss can be ruled out.