Why is Dor Yeshorim focusing on hearing loss?
We have seen a steady and concerning increase of families suffering from unexplained hearing loss. As the number of families across all ancestries continued to grow, it became exceedingly clear that there was a vital need for immediate and extensive research. There are currently almost one thousand families experiencing hearing loss and in need of Dor Yeshorim’s ongoing research expertise.
What has Dor Yeshorim’s research uncovered?
Using cutting edge genetic technology and working with laboratories and research groups across the globe – including our top-of-the-line R&D lab – with Hashem’s help, we successfully identified over 20 genes and more than 60 genetic mutations causing genetic hearing loss. Our research continues, but we cannot waste any time bringing this new panel to the public.
I have no family history of hearing loss. Is this panel still for me?
Absolutely. The genes that cause hearing loss are very common. In fact, most of the families currently experiencing hearing loss have no prior history. Testing for hearing loss is no different than testing for Cystic Fibrosis, for example. Anyone can be a carrier, and the chances of being a carrier for hearing loss are actually higher than many other genetic diseases.
What steps do I take if I DO have a family history of hearing loss?
Please call our office with more information so we can ensure that you are tested for the exact genetic mutation in your family. (A list of the genes and mutations can be viewed on our website). If the genetic cause has not yet been identified or confirmed, Dor Yeshorim’s extensive research department can provide cost-free answers and guidance. Please do not hesitate to reach out for these and all other unidentified/unexplained serious symptoms or issues that are potentially genetic in nature.
Is the panel a guarantee against hearing loss?
The cause for hearing loss is not always genetic; therefore, the panel does not provide a full guarantee. It is, however, a comprehensive test that will, with Hashem’s help, prevent most cases of recessive, genetically inherited hearing loss.
Rabbanim across the spectrum highly recommend that everyone be screened. If you were already screened by Dor Yeshorim, please contact the office or visit our website to add the Hearing Loss panel to your profile. Results take two weeks due to the intricacy of the testing involved. All future screening will offer the opportunity to add the Hearing Loss Panel.
AVOID UNNECESSARY DELAYS DURING A SHIDDUCH
Visit: www.doryeshorim.org
Email: [email protected]
or Call: 718-384-6060 option 2
As the mother of two kids with hearing loss, I found this advertisement offensive. It also stigmatizes those with hearing loss which is extremely common even for those not born with it. Due to the advent of personal music players, earphones and too loud subwoofers at weddings/concerts, the rate of hearing loss is 1/6 in kids over 12 and 1 out of 2 seniors. Hearing loss is never fixable although nowadays can be mostly migatated. While I understand that Dor Yesharim is coming from a good place, to prevent genetic mutations in the community, the ad is alarmist and equivicates… Read more »
Many lovely shidduchim will be broken up by people thru testing finding the hearing loss gene. Remember Hashem runs the world and hearing loss is not a medical condition that is life threatening or incompatible with life like Tay Sachs.
If 1 in 6 are carriers, that is a lot of shidduchum that won’t go through due to hearing loss which is not life threatening in any way. What is the point?
As someone who is in shidduchim and had the experience of being not compatible with a potential person, I think testing for hearing loss will make things worse. I do not believe a shidduch should be broken because of a hearing loss genetic. Unlike the other diseases Dor Yeshorim test for, Hearing loss is NOT life threatening. People who are deaf are able to lead fully functional and HAPPY lives.
I find this testing offensive to the Deaf community.
Unlike other diseases Dor Yeshorim test for, hearing loss is NOT life threatening. I find this offensive to the Deaf community.
This will make compatibility for shidduchim worse.
To the previous posters. Thanks for commenting.
Most of the thousand families who have kids with hearing loss do not have kids who are deaf.
Calling all kids with hearing loss deaf is like calling all kids with vision loss blind. Many of the genes tested in the Dor Yesharim panel do not lead to deafness, but to hearing loss.