Bring no-charge genetic
testing and counseling
to your patients with sensorineural hearing loss
The Resonate® program sponsored by Akouos may help determine whether there is an underlying genetic cause of hearing loss and may allow for personalized and expedited care.
Why Genetic Testing?
Test Today
The International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG)1 and American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)2 recommend genetic testing for individuals with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and auditory neuropathy. The Resonate program specifically assesses genes linked to hearing loss, using a comprehensive panel of almost 300 genes.
Diagnose Early
Genetic testing may allow for earlier diagnosis and informed decision making3-4.
- Genetic testing may provide an earlier diagnosis of a syndromic condition and associated health issues such as low vision or heart anomalies.
- A genetic diagnosis may help determine whether hearing loss is expected to be stable or progressive.
- Genetic testing may provide information about inheritance risk. Most forms of genetic hearing loss are autosomal recessive and may occur without a family history.
Inform Care
A genetic diagnosis may help healthcare providers personalize and/or expedite patient care by guiding treatment decisions, communication and rehabilitation options, and potential eligibility for gene therapy clinical trials3-4.
Eligibility
Who is eligible for the Resonate program?
Eligibility criteria have been expanded to include individuals under 40 years of age in the U.S. with at least one of the following:
- Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (by auditory brainstem response or behavioral testing) of moderate, moderately severe, severe, or profound degree
- Auditory neuropathy
Program Overview
Did you know…
More than 60% of congenital hearing loss is due to an underlying genetic cause5, but fewer than 20% of children with sensorineural hearing loss receive genetic testing6.
The Resonate program may help inform and expedite care by removing some of the common barriers to genetic testing7. Akouos is partnering with PreventionGenetics for genetic testing and with InformedDNA for genetic counseling and test ordering.
No charge
Akouos sponsors the Resonate program and pays for genetic testing and counseling in the U.S. That means these services are provided at no cost to patients, their insurance, or their healthcare providers.
Expanded eligibility criteria
Eligibility in the U.S. has been expanded and informed by recommendations of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG)1 and American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)2. Eligibility criteria include individuals under 40 years of age with at least one of the following:
- Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (by auditory brainstem response or behavioral testing) of moderate, moderately severe, severe, or profound degree
- Auditory neuropathy
Pre- and post-test genetic counseling
For providers who are less experienced with conducting genetic counseling, genetic counselors at InformedDNA can provide pre- and post-test counseling to patients at no charge.
Simple ordering
process
For providers (including audiologists) who are unfamiliar with ordering and interpreting genetic testing, genetic counselors at InformedDNA can handle the process every step of the way.
Easy sample collection
Specimen collection is made easy via cheek swab, saliva, or blood draw. Sample collection kits can be sent to the healthcare provider’s office or patient’s home.
The ordering provider will usually receive the results of genetic testing within 3 to 4 weeks of PreventionGenetics receiving the sample.
How it Works
The Resonate program offers healthcare providers two options for ordering genetic testing for eligible patients. Akouos is partnering with PreventionGenetics for genetic testing and with InformedDNA to provide genetic counseling and test ordering.
Option 1
Healthcare Provider Refers Patient for Genetic Testing + Pre- and Post-test Counseling
Healthcare providers (including audiologists) can refer patients to InformedDNA for genetic counseling and test ordering. InformedDNA genetic counselors are highly trained in genetic hearing loss. Counseling appointments are available through telehealth. During the counseling appointment, the genetic counselor will:
- Review the patient’s health history, the genetics of hearing loss, and limitations of genetic testing.
- If the patient and/or their family wants to proceed, order genetic testing and send a sample collection kit to the patient’s home.
- Explain what the test results mean to the individual and their family. (Results are usually ready in 3 to 4 weeks after the sample is received.)
- Send a report to the referring healthcare provider for follow-up care.
Option 2
Healthcare Provider Orders Genetic Testing
Healthcare providers who are familiar with genetic testing and counseling can order the genetic testing (and optional genetic counseling) directly through PreventionGenetics.
- A sample collection kit can be mailed to either the provider’s office or the patient’s home.
- Results are usually ready in 3 to 4 weeks after the sample is received, and a report is sent to the ordering provider.
- InformedDNA provides optional genetic counseling.
About Akouos
Akouos, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, is a precision genetic medicine company focused on developing potential gene therapies designed to restore, improve, or preserve hearing.
Akouos is currently sponsoring a Phase 1/2 gene therapy clinical trial enrolling eligible individuals with OTOF-mediated hearing loss.
Contact
If you are interested in learning more, please contact us for more information.
Email us at: resonate@akouos.com
(Please do not include identifiable patient information)
