TMPRSS3 and hearing loss disorder: Since TMPRSS3, the gene encoding transmembrane protease serine 3, is the most frequently detected gene in subjects with ski-slope type hearing loss in the Korean population [17], we examined the TMPRSS3 sequence present in SH23–98 and SH23–52 to identify any mutation(s) located within the exons and/or splice junctions; however, we failed to identify any mutations within this gene.