Hearing loss may be present at birth; however, half of all hearing loss cases due to CMV develop later on and/or are progressive. (Fowler et al., 1999)
About 10% of babies with cCMV have signs at birth (CDC). Some signs are: Small head size, intrauterine growth restriction (low weight), seizures, rash, liver, spleen, and lung problems.
Testing for CMV (saliva or urine) must be done within the first three weeks of life in order to determine if it occurred in utero.
Massachusetts currently does not mandate CMV screening, although some hospitals may be screening children who fail their newborn hearing test and/or show other clinical signs.
What Treatments are availablefor CMV?
For children who show signs of CMV at birth, antiviral medications may improve hearing and developmental outcomes but should be used with caution due to side effects.
Babies diagnosed with congenital CMV should have regular hearing and vision screening as hearing loss may be present at birth or develop later and progressively worsen.
Children with hearing loss should receive services such as speech therapy.
You can reduce the risk of acquiring CMV, learn how: