The expression of SLC26A4 in the inner ear and the thyroid is consistent with the observation that mutations of SLC26A4 (MIM #605646) cause congenital hearing loss associated with an enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA; MIM #600791) and Mondini-like dysplasia of the cochlea and enlargement of the thyroid (Pendred syndrome; MIM #274600). Here, SLC26A4 is linked to dysplasia.