Description

This position statement is endorsed by the American Cochlear Implant Alliance and the National CMV Foundation.

The American Academy of Audiology recommends early identification of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) through screening to allow for appropriate early diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring for congenital, progressive, and delayed-onset hearing loss in infants with cCMV. Early identification of cCMV is a valuable component in the diagnostic evaluation of infants with sensorineural hearing loss. The Academy recognizes the important role audiologists serve as clinical care providers and educators and advocates for early identification and audiological management of infants with cCMV.

Key Points

On the basis of the current information, the Academy recommends the following surveillance model: diagnostic evaluations every 3–6 months for the first year of life, then every 6 months until 3 years of age, and annually until 6 years of age.

The recommended monitoring protocol for cCMV-positive infants is as follows:

  • Initial diagnostic audiology evaluation should take place within the first 3 months of life, even if the infant passes the newborn hearing screening.
  • Hearing should be monitored using developmentally appropriate evaluations.
  • If a significant change in hearing is documented, thresholds should be evaluated frequently until the hearing loss stabilizes.

Infants and children with cCMV and documented sensorineural hearing loss should be fit expediently with amplification that is flexible enough to accommodate progression of hearing loss. Cochlear implantation may also become an option for many infants and children with cCMV. Ongoing parent–caregiver education about options for intervention is a critical part of the process.

 

Get Involved

Whether serving on a clinical document development panel or participating as peer reviewers, volunteers have regular chances to deepen their engagement with the Academy and make important contributions benefiting the field of audiology. If you are interested in clinical document development, please volunteer to express interest and submit a CV to the Academy’s guidelines staff by email. To view the list of guidelines and strategic documents in development and to learn more about the Academy’s clinical document development process, visit the Academy’s Practice Resources website. Information from interested members is accepted on an ongoing basis, and members will be contacted as clinical document volunteer openings occur.
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