Abstract
Rapid advances in genetic technology have resulted in the availability of genetic testing as an option for individuals and their families with deafness and hearing loss (D/HL). Recent studies estimate that over 50% of non-syndromic deafness is due to genetic factors with mutations in GJB2, the gene for Connexin 26, causing approximately 30% of cases of sporadic hearing loss and over 50% of cases of congenital severe-to-profound deafness in which there is an affected sibling. It is anticipated that genetic testing will provide a number of advantages by facilitating diagnosis and ultimately impacting prevention and intervention. However, genetic testing is different from most medical tests in that test results are not always `black and white' (i.e., normal or abnormal) and for many families, genetic concepts of probability and risk are difficult to grasp. Social, ethical and legal issues such as genetic discrimination also are integral aspects of genetic testing. The purpose of this paper is to review the c...
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
