Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV): What does it have to do with hearing?

Cytomegalovirus is the most infectious cause of birth defects in the United States.  Babies born with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) can have brain, liver, spleen, lung, and growth problems.  The most common long-term health problem in babies born with cCMV infection is hearing loss.  This may be detected soon after birth or may develop later in childhood.

Facts to know about cCMV:

• 1 in 200 children is born with cCMV
• Leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss in infants born in the U.S.
• 85-90% of infants with cCMV are asymptomatic at birth
• Screening for cCMV – a sample must be collected before 21 days of life

Click here to learn more with a 10 minute video resource

To refer a patient: 

• External Provider using EPIC: CHW AUDIOLOGY  **Include cCMV hearing screening in the notes AND if the pt has failed a hearing screen in the past
• Fax to Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 **Include cCMV hearing screening in the notes AND if the pt has failed a hearing screen in the past
• Online ambulatory referral form

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