K2P5.1 is activated by alkaline pHo [1021 ]. Knockout of the kcnk5 gene in mice is associated with metabolic acidosis, hyponatremia and hypotension due to impaired bicarbonate handling in the kidney [1303], as well as deafness [165]. The T108P mutation is associated with Balkan Endemic Nephropathy in humans [1217]. This evidence concerns the gene KCNK5 and deafness.