CMV Hearing Test Schedule

What is CMV?

CMV (Cytomegalorvirus) is a common virus in the United States. After the initial infection, the virus is inactive at times, but it is a life-time infection. CMV is the most common congenital (present at birth) viral infection.

What do I need to know about hearing?

Some babies with congenital CMV will have permanent hearing loss. This hearing loss may be present at birth or show up later in childhood. Because of this, it is important to have regular hearing tests with an audiologist, even if no other symptoms are present.

How is hearing tested?

Audiologists perform a combination of tests to diagnose hearing loss. Some may include: otoscopy, tympanometry, acoustic reflex testing, otoacoustic emissions (OAE), auditory brainstem response (ABR), and behavioral hearing tests.

How often does my child need a hearing test?

First Hearing Test: Auditory brainstem response (ABR) by 1 month of age, or no later than one month after congenital CMV is confirmed
Second Hearing Test: Auditory brainstem response (ABR) by 4 to 5 months of age
Hearing Tests up to age 2 years: Every 3 months
Hearing Tests ages 2 to 6 years: Every 6 months
Hearing Tests ages 6 to 10 years: Every 12 months

Questions?

This information is not specific to your child, but provides general information. If you have any questions, please contact Children’s Minnesota Audiology at 612-874-1292.

This page is not specific to your child, but provides general information on the topic above. If you have any questions, please call your clinic. For more reading material about this and other health topics, please call or visit Children's Minnesota Family Resource Center library, or visit www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials.