July 15, 2023
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can cause a variety of health problems, including hearing loss. CMV is spread through contact with saliva, urine, and other bodily fluids. Most people are infected with CMV at some point in their lives, but do not experience any symptoms. One third of children will develop CMV before the age of 5 and half of adults over 40 have contracted the virus.
CMV and Hearing Loss
CMV hearing loss is the most common non-genetic cause of congenital hearing loss. It is estimated that 1 in 5 children with congenital CMV will have hearing loss. It can be present at birth or develop later in life. In some cases, hearing loss from CMV may fluctuate or progress over time. For this reason, routine audiology follow-up is recommended for children with congenital CMV who passed their newborn hearing screenings.
Symptoms of CMV
The symptoms of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) hearing loss can vary depending on the severity of the loss. Some common symptoms include: difficulty heairng in one or both ears, ringing in the ears, balance problems, difficulty hearing in noisy environments.
Diagnosis of CMV
CMV hearing loss can be diagnosed with a hearing test. A hearing test will measure the loudness and pitch of sounds that you can hear. Hearing loss from CMV can range from mild to profound.
Treatment for CMV
There is no cure for CMV hearing loss. However, there are treatments that can help to improve hearing. These treatments include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and speech therapy. Children with identified hearing loss should be referred to a pediatric audiologist for amplification. Many children receive benefits from using hearing aids, while those with more significant hearing losses may be candidates for cochlear implants. Your child’s audiology team will provide options as well as help your child access programs for early intervention.
If you are concerned that you or your child may have CMV hearing loss, talk to your doctor. They can order a test to check for the virus and discuss treatment options with you.