What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing hearing loss that doesn't seem to be caused by an injury, infection, or loud noise exposure. It's especially useful if hearing loss runs in your family or if a baby or child has been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss and you want to understand if genetics are involved. Finding out whether the GJB2 gene is the cause can help explain why the hearing loss happened and whether other family members might be affected.

What's included in this test?

This test reads through the GJB2 gene letter by letter to look for changes that are known to disrupt how the ear's cells communicate, which is a common cause of inherited hearing loss. Rather than a panel of separate biomarkers, it's a single detailed gene scan, so any variant found can be classified as harmless, uncertain, or disease-causing to help explain the source of hearing loss.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account along with a plain-language explanation of what a positive or negative finding means. If a gene change is found, a practical next step is genetic counseling for you and close family members, since GJB2 changes can run in families. You can download the full lab report from your account at any time, and if you ever retest or run related genetic panels, you'll be able to track and compare results over time using the trends feature.

How can I naturally support healthy hearing?

While genetics can't be changed through lifestyle, you can protect the hearing you have by avoiding prolonged exposure to loud noises and using ear protection at concerts or noisy jobs. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants (like leafy greens and berries) and omega-3 fatty acids (like fish) may help support inner ear health. Limiting ototoxic medications when possible and managing conditions like high blood pressure can also help preserve hearing over time.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. Because this is a detailed genetic sequencing test, it takes a bit longer than a standard blood panel. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are posted to your secure online account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people with unexplained sensorineural hearing loss, parents of children with hearing loss of unknown cause, and people who have a close relative with a confirmed GJB2 gene change. It's also useful for couples planning a family who want to understand their chances of passing on hereditary hearing loss.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Signs that this test may be relevant include hearing loss present from birth or early childhood, hearing loss that gradually worsens without a clear cause like injury or noise exposure, or hearing loss combined with a family history of similar issues. If a newborn fails a hearing screening and no other cause is identified, this test can help provide answers.

What is the GJB2 gene and why does it matter?

GJB2 provides instructions for making a protein called connexin 26, which helps cells in the inner ear communicate and manage the flow of ions needed for normal hearing. Changes in this gene are one of the most common genetic causes of hearing loss present at birth. Understanding whether you carry a GJB2 change can explain the cause of hearing loss and clarify the risk of passing it to future children.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means a change was found in the GJB2 gene that is known or suspected to cause hearing loss. This doesn't change your current hearing but does explain why the hearing loss occurred and means close family members may want to get tested too. It's also useful information for family planning, since GJB2-related hearing loss is often inherited in a recessive pattern, meaning both parents can be unaffected carriers.

What should I do if my results show a gene variant?

If a variant is found, consider genetic counseling to fully understand what it means for you and your family, including the chance of passing it to children. Testing close relatives, especially siblings and parents, can help map out how the change runs in your family. Continue routine hearing check-ups since knowing the genetic cause doesn't change the importance of monitoring hearing over time.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

GJB2 Hearing Loss Gene Test - DNA Sequencing

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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