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Audiologic Findings from a Cohort of CMV+ Patients at Phoenix Children's
Abstract Summary
Introduction: In the United States, congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common infectious cause of birth defects, with cCMV impacting up to 1 of 200 births(1). It is the leading cause of non-genetic childhood-onset sensorineural hearing loss(2). Because up to 90% of newborns are asymptomatic at birth and there is no universal CMV Screening Program in Arizona at this time, many cCMV infections go undiagnosed. Audiologists may be the first providers to suspect cCMV in newborns with congenital hearing loss. As such, it’s imperative that audiologists are able to identify the pattern of audiologic findings typical for patients with cCMV. Objective(s) / Purpose of Study: The objective of this project is to describe the audiologic findings of a cohort of CMV+ patients at Phoenix Children’s. Methods: A pilot project was recently completed to determine the feasibility of a universal CMV screening program in Arizona. Subsequently, there is a need to create a clinical workflow to address symptomatic and asymptomatic positive cases of cCMV in our area. In preparation for this, Phoenix Children’s Audiology Department is implementing standardized clinical guidelines for the management of patients with cCMV. In the creation of this, patients files with CMV diagnoses were reviewed as an ongoing quality improvement project. Results: Of these 17 patients, 14 were identified as having hearing loss with 1 presenting with normal hearing and 2 waiting diagnostic evaluations. The type, degree, and configurations of hearing loss will be described as well as the age at hearing loss and/or CMV diagnosis. Conclusions: In this cohort, most developed hearing loss, although only 20% were identified within the first month of life. This highlights the need for early assessment and routine surveillance of these cCMV positive patients.
Learning Objectives
- Summarize the benefits of a universal CMV screening program in Arizona.
- Analyze audiologic findings from a cohort of CMV+ patients at Phoenix Children’s.
- Identify the pattern of audiologic findings that are typical for patients with cCMV.
Presentation
3440589_16078AlissaNickerson.pdf
Handouts
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Presenters
Alissa Nickerson | Primary Presenter, Co-Author
anickerson@phoenixchildrens.com;
Alissa Nickerson, AuD, CCC-A, is a clinical audiologist at Phoenix Children’s specializing in the diagnosis and management of childhood hearing loss. She has special interest in cCMV and amplification for pediatric patients. Alissa has publications in the areas of post-baccalaureate audiology training and amplification profiles of pediatric cochlear implant users.
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Wendy Steuerwald | Co-Presenter, Author
wsteuerwald@phoenixchildrens.com;
Wendy Steuerwald is the Director of Audiology at Phoenix Children’s. She works with audiologists to create an environment where exceptional patient care is provided. This includes the creation of clinical guidelines, process improvement initiatives, program expansion, addition of new locations, and monitoring of key performance initiatives. Professional leadership includes committee responsibilities within the American Academy of Audiology, Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Committee for the state of Ohio, and AzEHDI stakeholder. Wendy is a co author of the American Academy of Audiology cCMV position statement. Wendy enjoys audiology as it gives her the opportunity to improve the lives of others by direct patient care, and by working on system level changes such as cCMV awareness and screening initiatives across the country.
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.
Deborah Flynn | Co-Presenter, Author
dflynn@phoenixchildrens.com;
Deborah Flynn is the Audiology Lead for Cochlear Implants at Phoenix Children's Hospital. She received her Bachelors and Master's Degree from the University of Arizona and her clinical doctorate in audiology from AT Still-Arizona School of Health Sciences. Prior to joining PCH, she trained at Children's Hospital, Boston and worked at the Hearing Institute for Adults and Children in San Jose, California. She has extensive experience in identification, intervention, and management of infants, children, and teens with hearing loss. Her involvement in the Audiology Team includes cochlear implants, hearing aids, pediatric audiological evaluations, ototoxic monitoring, evoked potentials, assistive listening technology, and newborn hearing screenings. Her clinic interests include a multidisciplinary team approach for children with cochlear implants and hearing aids. She presents on various audiological topics throughout Arizona. She has been an adjunct professor at AT Still University, Arizona School of Health Sciences and enjoys teaching students
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial - Receives Consulting fee for Consulting from Advanced Bionics.
Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - Receives support from Advance Bionics for Service Fees only.