Technology Update SessionSession 3C Over 60% of congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) cases are due to genetic causes and multiple medical societies recommend including a comprehensive gene panel as part of the diagnostic workup for SNHL, yet few eligible patients undergo genetic testing. A genetic diagnosis can provide insights into the recurrence risk, prognosis of progression, likelihood of a syndromic condition, targeted treatment, and potential eligibility for gene therapy trials. Barriers to testing include insurance reimbursement, patient costs, provider education gaps, availability of genetic services, and logistical challenges in obtaining testing. Removing some of the key barriers to genetic testing for hearing loss will increase genetic testing utilization and facilitate earlier and more accurate diagnosis.The Resonate® sponsored genetic testing and counseling program for SNHL helps to remove some of these key barriers. Individuals<40 years of age in the U.S. with at least one of the following are eligible to participate: 1) bilateral or unilateral sensorineural hearing loss of mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe, or profound degree, 2) auditory neuropathy. From June 2024 to October 2025, 1,658 patients received genetic testing. Demographic and genetic findings will be reported. Audiologists are in a privileged position to be frontline healthcare providers in the diagnosis and management of individuals with genetic forms of hearing loss. The scope of the audiologist’s role related to genetic testing and counseling and how this may vary across practices will be discussed.
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