Cytomegalovirus and Hearing Loss

Jan. 27, 2011 - PRLog -- The University of Alabama  as well as the Baylor College of Medicine have done studies and found a correlation between a virus, namely Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and hearing health in children.

The virus, part of the herpes family, although not as easily spreadable can be transmitted through bodily fluids. Some of which include blood, saliva, urine, breast milk, cervical secretions or semen. The American Speech-Language–Hearing Association (ASHA) suggests, “Most healthy children and adults infected with CMV will have no symptoms or might develop only a mild mononucleosis-like illness.”

Although adults might not experience any symptoms, mothers can still transfer the virus to the baby as a fetus which may result in loss of hearing among other disabilities. The only way to know if your child might have hearing damage due to this virus is by doing a blood spot analysis. Another way of knowing is if the mother was infected with the virus, then  the newborn should be tested.

About 10%-15% of children infected with the virus suffer from hearing loss. According to ASHA, preventing infection with the virus can be done “through simple hygienic practices such as hand-washing.”

Visit your local Miami Audiologist such as Dr. Joseph Duran if you believe your child might be suffering from hearing loss.

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