Overview
The Hearing Loss Genetics Clinic at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital is a fully comprehensive clinic aimed at improving the lives of all children who have hearing loss due to a genetic diagnosis or have a suspected underlying genetic basis for their hearing loss. In this clinic, our physicians will be assisted by a genetic counsellor.
This clinic will involve a comprehensive consultation of the patient and discussion of genetic testing as appropriate. A genetic counsellor will be available to families for pre-test counselling regarding genetic testing, the genetic basis of disease, discuss all possible outcomes including what a positive result may mean for the family and also the benefits and limitations of genetic testing.
This clinic will involve a comprehensive consultation of the patient and discussion of genetic testing as appropriate. A genetic counsellor will be available to families for pre-test counseling regarding genetic testing, the genetic basis of disease, discuss all possible outcomes including what a positive result may mean for the family and also the benefits and limitations of genetic testing.
We offer consultation and examination for all children with a suspected genetic condition leading to hearing loss. Hearing loss due to genetic causes accounts for 50-80% of cases of prelingual hearing loss. In many situations, hearing loss may only be one component of a more complex syndrome where other organ systems may also be affected. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is important to identify any additional complications before they occur.
This multidisciplinary clinic offers a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis of patients with hearing loss due to an underlying genetic change. We ensure that families understand the purpose, benefits and limitations of genetic testing before it is ordered. Our team will also discuss the genetic test report and implications of a positive test.
What makes us different?
The hearing loss genetics clinic is part of Al Jalila Children’s Genomics Centre which is an innovative unit that was created to offer a wide spectrum of genetic testing and counselling services.
The genomics laboratory within the Genomics Centre is a state-of-the-art genetic testing facility that utilizes the most advanced molecular technologies, including next generation sequencing and whole exome sequencing, to identify the genetic changes in a patient that can cause a genetic condition.
With numerous specialties within Al Jalila Children’s, our team can make the appropriate referrals within the hospital, creating a coordinated healthcare plan between the different departments. This multi-disciplinary approach to health care ensures that your child will receive the care and support they need.