Episode # 281 • 07 Jul 2026
Expert Insight on Congenital CMV & Pediatric Hearing Loss
Did you know that congenital CMV-related hearing loss can develop several years after birth? On the BackTable ENT & Allergy Podcast, hosts Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Jeff Hyzer interview pediatric otolaryngologist Dr. Albert Park about the latest evidence on congenital CMV and its role in pediatric sensorineural hearing loss. The discussion covers diagnosis, risk factors, screening protocols, testing strategies, antiviral treatment, genetic workup, long-term surveillance, and future directions for early detection and prevention.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
02:47 - Basics of CMV Infections and Hearing Loss Presentation
07:57 - CMV Screening Workflow
11:33 - Saliva vs. Urine Based Screening
14:00 - Early Workup and Communication
19:37 - Late Onset Workup and Use of Antivirals
24:39 - Treatment with Antiviral Medications
27:22 - Head Ultrasound vs. MRI
30:06 - Role of Genetic Testing
32:47 - Surveillance and Progression Risk
37:29 - CI Outcomes and Predictors
42:18 - BAHA and Older Candidates
45:44 - Awareness, Prevention Efforts, and Education
54:25 - Vaccines and Universal Screening Pitfalls
57:40 - Advocacy and Closing Thoughts
Resources
- Nance & Morton NEJM Paper Cited - 20% of Congenital SNHL linked to Congenital CMV
- Dr.Kimberlin’s work supporting antiviral treatment for 6 months
- Dr.Vossen’s antiviral therapy research
- AAP Red Book
- Dr. Smith’s Research - Genetic Testing for Congenital Bilateral Hearing Loss in the Context of Targeted Cytomegalovirus Screening
- Dr.Park’s Research Congenital Cytomegalovirus Testing Outcomes From the ValEAR Trial
- Dr.Park’s Research - Analysis of an Expanded Targeted Early Cytomegalovirus Testing Program
- Dr.Foulon - Hearing Loss With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
- Research about the use of Vaclovir to reduce vertical transmission
- Dr.Gantt’s research on the Ping-Pong Effect
You may also like
More about this episode
Dr. Park explains the differences between congenital and acquired CMV, reviews epidemiology and, and highlights that hearing loss may be present at birth or develop later in childhood. He discusses Utah’s evolution from hearing-targeted CMV testing to universal NICU screening, emphasizing the importance of diagnosis within the first 21 days of life. The conversation covers saliva versus urine testing, dried blood spot testing, and the role of a multidisciplinary team in evaluation and management. Dr. Park also reviews antiviral treatment strategies, imaging and genetic testing considerations, audiologic surveillance, and cochlear implantation outcomes. Finally, he discusses ongoing advocacy efforts, emerging prenatal screening technologies, and future directions and challenges for CMV prevention and early detection.
The Materials available on BackTable are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the independent professional judgment of a qualified healthcare professional in diagnosing or treating patients. Any opinions, statements, or views expressed are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, platform, or any affiliated organization.