Utility of droplet digital PCR and NGS-based CNV clinical assays in hearing loss diagnostics: current status and future prospects.

: Genetic variants in over 100 genes can cause non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL). Comprehensive diagnostic testing of these genes requires detecting pathogenic sequence and copy number alterations with economical, scalable and sensitive assays. Here we discuss best practices and effective testing algorithms for hearing-loss-related genes with special emphasis on detection of copy number variants.: We review studies that used next-generation sequencing (NGS), chromosomal microarrays, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for the diagnosis of NSHL. We specifically focus on unique and recurrent copy number changes that affect the and genes, two of the most common causes of NSHL.: NGS panels and exome sequencing can detect most pathogenic sequence and copy number variants that cause NSHL; however, and currently require additional assays to capture all pathogenic copy number variants. Adoption of genome sequencing may simplify diagnostic workflows, but further investigational studies will be required to evaluate its clinical efficacy.