Which syndrome is characterized by glomerulonephritis and deafness?

Alport's syndrome is characterized by a triad of symptoms that include glomerulonephritis, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. The glomerulonephritis in Alport's syndrome is a result of a hereditary defect in type IV collagen, which is a crucial component of the basement membrane in various tissues, including the kidneys and the inner ear. This genetic disorder leads to progressive renal failure as well as hearing impairment, typically starting in childhood or adolescence.

The other conditions listed do have associations with renal issues, but they do not specifically connect glomerulonephritis with deafness. Lupus nephritis occurs in systemic lupus erythematosus and can cause kidney impairment but does not typically present with hearing loss. Goodpasture syndrome involves anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies leading to renal and pulmonary hemorrhage without the classic combination of deafness. Wegener's granulomatosis, now more commonly referred to as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, presents with vasculitis affecting the lungs and kidneys but is not associated with hearing loss like Alport's syndrome. Hence, Alport's syndrome is distinctly recognized for the combination of glomerulonephritis and deafness.