Progression, severity and management of hearing loss in preschool children with congenital CMV infection

Introduction A common cause of congenital partially progressive hearing loss in preschool children is the presence of a congenital infection with the cytomegalovirus (CMV). We examined our patients with the risk factor congenital CMV infection with regard to the presence of hearing loss, the severity and progression of the hearing loss and the treatment.

Material and methods  Retrospective data analysis of children with congenital CMV infection who received our pediatric audiological treatment between September 2008 and June 2022. We enquired the degree of hearing loss, the presence of progression and the type of treatment.

Results In the period from September 2008 to June 2022, we regularly checked 91 children with a congenital CMV infection. This included the initial diagnosis, outpatient follow-up care up to school enrollment and, if hearing loss occurs or is present, hearing care adapted to the degree of severity. Hearing impairment was present in 24 of the children examined (26 %). 6 of these children are fitted with hearing aids, 2 children are bimodal and 12 children are fitted with cochlear implants; 4 children did not receive any hearing aids or hearing implants at the parents’ request. Progression was seen in 5 children (5 %) with unremarkable newborn hearing screening.

Conclusion 26 % of our patients with a congenital CMV infection show a hearing loss that requires treatment. 66 % of these children had a CI indication and 50 % of the children are treated with a cochlear implant. This shows the importance of careful follow-up care in order to be able to diagnose and treat these children at an early stage.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Mai 2023