June is Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of CMV, a virus that affects people of all ages and can have serious health impacts for infants and young children.
CMV is a common virus that infects people worldwide. Many individuals who contract CMV experience few or no symptoms, but the virus can pose significant risks during pregnancy and early childhood. CMV is also a leading non-genetic cause of childhood hearing loss.
Increasing awareness about CMV can help families better understand the importance of prevention, early detection, and ongoing hearing monitoring.
CMV and Hearing Health
When CMV is transmitted during pregnancy, it can result in congenital CMV infection, which may affect a child’s hearing, balance, and overall development.
Some children with CMV-related hearing loss are identified at birth, while others may develop hearing changes later in childhood. Because hearing loss associated with CMV can progress over time, continued hearing evaluations are important.
Audiologists play a critical role in:
- Identifying hearing loss early
- Monitoring hearing over time
- Supporting communication development
- Connecting families with intervention resources and care
Learn More About CMV
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information about CMV, including symptoms, prevention, testing, and pregnancy considerations:
Academy Resources
The American Academy of Audiology offers additional information and resources related to CMV and hearing health:
- Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Is Now Detectable Via Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing
- Support for Congenital Cytomegalovirus Screenings
- The American Academy of Audiology Releases Position Statement on Early Identification of Cytomegalovirus in Newborns
- American Academy of Audiology Position Statement on Early Identification of Cytomegalovirus in Newborns
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