Hearing loss (a partial or total inability to hear) is a genetically very heterogenous group of phenotypes varying in severity and causes.
Non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss occurs without other associated clinical findings.
In syndromic hearing loss, symptoms affecting other parts of the body occur in addition to hearing impairment or deafness.
Sensorineural hearing loss can be unilateral or bilateral and it can be stable or progressive. In addition, the loss may appear with various intensivity to high, middle or low tones.
In families with a history of hearing loss that begins at a young age, hearing loss is likely to be inherited in future generations. However, it can also occur in families with absolutely no history. It is estimated that approximately 60-80% of congenital hearing loss is of genetic origin. About 60% to 70% of congenital hereditary hearing problems are of non-syndromic origin. Of course, there is also the possibility of hearing loss due to a random new mutation that will be created during embryogenesis.
Safembryo offers the most comprehensive genetic analysis panel for detection of syndromic and non syndromic hearing loss in Greece.
All is needed is a simple blood draw
.
The genetic test includes:
- A 239 associated genes panel that includes assessment of non-coding variants. (The panel includes all the currently reported genes associated with any degree of hearing loss. The list is regularly updated according to new findings)
In addition, it also includes analysis of the maternally inherited mitochondrial genome.
You can see the full panel of genes analysed here.
The results are available in 4 weeks.
The genetic hearing test we offer at Safembryo is the most cmprehensive test of its kind available in Greece including all the currently reported associated genetic regions with syndromic and non- syndromic hearing loss.
It is also the only one that includes analysis of associated non-coding regions beyond the genes analysed and at the same time analysis of the mitochondrial DNA regions that have also been associated with hearing loss.
By analysing only the most common genes associated with hearing loss, you may get an incorrect negative result for hearing loss or miss out important mutations related you your pathology.
Only the most complete genetic testing can clarify your clinical picture and provide the best way to interven in this and in future generations.
Also a comprehensive genetic test is more efficient in time and money. If you do individual genetic testing for related gene categories, it will cost you more overall and be more time consuming.
Hearing Loss genetic testing is recommended to patients with clinical suspicion of syndromic and non-syndromic hearing loss.