It does not affect life expectancy.

It is estimated to occur in 1 of 40,000 individuals.

This article discusses the types of Waardenburg syndrome, as well as its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Older woman’s hands with splotchy white marks

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Babies born with Waardenburg syndrome may have hearing loss and may noticeably display the characteristic hair and skin features.

Formal hearing tests can be used to assess hearing loss.

Treatment for Waardenburg Syndrome

Even within the same family, Waardenburg syndrome can affect people differently.

Inheritance of types 3 and 4 may follow a more complex pattern.

Symptoms can be mild or more severe.

Because Waardenburg syndrome affects people differently treatment is focused on each individual’s symptoms.

Genetic counseling can help assess the risk of passing Waardenburg syndrome on to a child.

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