The STRC gene provides instructions for making a protein called stereocilin. This protein is found in the inner ear and is involved in hearing.~Stereocilin is associated with hairlike structures called stereocilia, which project from specialized cells called hair cells in the inner ear. Stereocilin links the tips of neighboring stereocilia to one another. Stereocilia must be physically connected to carry out certain auditory functions, such as making quiet sounds louder and detecting sound frequency.~