Unless molecular testing confirms that parents are unaffected, be cautious about using that term and do so only after a complete clinical evaluation for subtle manifestations. Risk of recurrence for WS3 and WS4 depends upon the individual's specific molecular etiology. An audiologist should provide regular follow-up for affected individuals with SNHL to manage optimal treatment with hearing aids or other auditory devices. Follow-up should continue with an otolaryngologist to exclude structural abnormalities of the inner ear, to manage causes of additional conductive hearing loss, and to discuss possible treatment using a cochlear implant. Surgery may be required to repair some cases of severe dystopia canthorum.
WS management requires no activity restrictions.
Cognition generally is normal. Prognosis in rarer cases depends upon the severity of the additional abnormalities. Prenatal testing may be available for families with a previously identified gene mutation. WS manifestations can be extremely variable both between and within families. Genetic heterogeneity in the Waardenburg syndrome.