Abstract
Genetic counseling is part of the management of genetic syndromes, consisting of providing appropriate clinical and genetic information based on the diagnosis and comprehensive psychosocial support. In Japan, clinical geneticists and certified genetic counselors play leading roles in this process. Although genetic testing on affected patients could be performed by all clinicians, genetic counseling should be considered for all patients with genetic syndromes and their families for the purpose of managing the variety of psychosocial burdens they might be carrying. Congenital hearing loss is a good model in which genetic testing and subsequent genetic counseling have prevailed as standard medical activities covered by medical insurance.
