The spectrum of cochlear malformations in CHARGE syndrome and insights into the role of the CHD7 gene during embryogenesis of the inner ear.

Cochlear morphology in CHARGE syndrome is variable. Whenever the cochlea was abnormal, it was almost invariably hypoplastic. This may shed light on the role of CHD7 in cochlear development. Accurate morphological description of the cochlea contributes to proper clinical diagnosis and is important for planning surgical treatment options.