Hearing loss with cytomegalovirus (1772)

Key points below

What is congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV)?

CMV is an infection that can be passed to babies before they are born. A common symptom of CMV is hearing loss. Some babies born with CMV do not have symptoms.

What if my baby tested positive for CMV?

Your baby may need treatment for the infection. The Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) team may discuss possible treatment for CMV.
Your baby will have an auditory brainstem response (ABR) test to check their hearing. This is important because of the high risk for hearing loss.
- Your baby may not pass the hearing test due to fluid or unhealthy ears. Follow-up with ENT as soon as possible, or within 2 weeks of leaving the NICU.

Why was your baby’s hearing tested?

A hearing screening is required for all babies in Wisconsin. Newborn hearing loss is a common problem. If your baby does not pass their first hearing screening, a urine test is done to check for CMV.

Your baby needs more testing in the right ear left ear both ears.

You will be contacted to schedule a follow-up hearing test after your baby goes home. If you do not get a call within one week, call the Audiology clinic at 414-266-2934 to schedule a natural sleep ABR test.
If your baby needs an ear exam to check for fluid, you will be asked to make an appointment with an ENT doctor. They will let you know when to make an appointment for another hearing test with an Audiologist.

Your baby passed the hearing testing in the right ear left ear both ears.

Babies with CMV are at greater risk for hearing changes over time. You will be contacted to schedule a follow-up hearing test within 3 months of leaving the NICU.
If you have concerns about your child’s hearing before your appointment, call the Audiology department at 414-266-2934. Ask for a natural sleep ABR test.
Until age one, your baby should have a hearing test every three months. After 1 year, check hearing every six months for the next three years

For more health and wellness information check out this resource:https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.