For Immediate Release
Contact: Tina Maggio, Sr. Director, Communications [email protected]
November 3, 2025, Alexandria, VA—A comprehensive eight-year study examining audiological outcomes of newborns screened for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) through universal screening demonstrates the critical importance of early detection programs in identifying infants at risk for hearing loss. The findings, published in the November 2025 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, reveal that approximately one-third of cCMV-related hearing loss develops after the newborn period—cases that would be missed without universal screening programs.
Congenital cytomegalovirus is the most common non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children and can occur even in asymptomatic patients.
“Our study underscores the profound impact of cCMV infection on hearing outcomes, and the importance of universal screening programs to identify infants at risk for sensorineural hearing loss,” said Maria A. Carrillo-Marquez, MD, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Division of Infectious Diseases at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, in Memphis, Tennessee. “Universal screening is essential to identify babies at risk for hearing loss who would be missed based on symptoms or by newborn hearing screening alone.”
Researchers analyzed data from 247 cCMV-positive newborns identified through saliva PCR screening at three nurseries and a neonatal intensive care unit in Memphis, Tennessee, between March 2016 and May 2024. Among the cohort, 24 infants (approximately 10%) were diagnosed with SNHL, with 16 identified during the immediate neonatal period and eight developing late-onset hearing loss between 6 and 12 months of age. Notably, five of the eight late-onset cases occurred in infants who were asymptomatic at birth.
Connecting Research to Policy
With one in 200 infants born with congenital cytomegalovirus and one in five developing long-term complications such as hearing loss, seizures, and developmental delays, the findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive screening programs nationwide. The research comes as the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) intensifies efforts to advance cCMV screening legislation at both federal and state levels, making universal newborn cCMV screening a key legislative priority.
“This is one of the Academy’s top legislative priorities because the evidence overwhelmingly supports universal screening—we now need legislation to translate this knowledge into action,” said Rahul K. Shah, MD, MBA, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President and CEO. “As the physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing health conditions, we know that screening plays a critical role in facilitating timely intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment of cCMV-related neurodevelopmental health problems are crucial to decreasing the risk of continued hearing loss as well as to the long-term developmental success of children.”
Federal Advocacy: The Stop CMV Act
The Stop CMV Act (H.R. 5435/S. 2842) was successfully reintroduced during the first session of the 119th Congress by U.S. Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY), Greg Landsman (D-OH), and Deborah Ross (D-NC) and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) thanks to the efforts of AAO-HNS, working in partnership with other key allies and medical societies. This important legislation would authorize federal funding for cCMV screening programs that improve early detection and intervention of hearing loss in infants.
State-Level Progress
The Academy’s advocacy efforts are gaining momentum across the country:
- Oregon: The Oregon Legislature unanimously passed and the governor signed into law HB 2685, a landmark bill expanding targeted screening for cCMV. The law directs the Oregon Health Authority to implement testing for newborns who fail initial hearing screenings, ensure testing within 14 days of birth, and require insurance coverage for these critical tests. The AAO-HNS joined several hearing health advocacy organizations in supporting this important legislation.
- New York: The Academy is supporting A.3956 and S.5454, bills under consideration in the New York State Legislature that would establish universal cCMV screening for all newborns. A.3956 would require universal screening using either a dried blood spot or urine PCR test, offering flexibility for clinicians, while S.5454 currently mandates testing via urine PCR only. The Academy encourages alignment with the Assembly version to ensure broad and practical implementation.
- Massachusetts: The Academy submitted testimony in support of H. 4367, which is pending in committee. The bill would require universal cCMV screening for all newborns, establish a statewide public education program about the infection, and create an advisory committee to guide implementation and ensure equitable access. AAO-HNS highlighted that early detection within the first 21 days of life allows timely interventions—such as antiviral therapy, hearing monitoring, and developmental support.
- Looking ahead: Several states are expected to move forward with cCMV screening proposals soon including Michigan, Texas, and Wisconsin.
“Early diagnosis and treatment of cCMV-related neurodevelopmental health problems are crucial to the long-term developmental success of children,” said Dr. Shah.
Key Study Findings
The Memphis study found that cCMV affected 0.5% of newborns screened—consistent with national estimates—and demonstrated several important findings:
- Approximately 10% of cCMV-positive infants developed SNHL
- Half of all hearing loss cases were bilateral, while half were unilateral
- Symptomatic infants had higher rates of microcephaly and intracranial calcifications compared to those with normal hearing
- Nine patients have received cochlear implants (seven bilateral, one unilateral) and four have hearing aids
- Social vulnerability was associated with fewer follow-up visits, highlighting the impact of social determinants of health on long-term care
The study also revealed significant challenges with patient follow-up, particularly among families facing socioeconomic barriers. Of the original 247 patients, 137 (55%) were lost to follow-up between the one- and three-month evaluation periods, with the majority occurring in families with higher social vulnerability scores. This underscores the need for comprehensive support systems alongside screening programs.
A Progressive and Often Silent Threat
Congenital cytomegalovirus is the leading infectious cause of birth defects and the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss in infants. CMV-related hearing loss can be progressive, with approximately 50% of affected children experiencing worsening over time. The hallmark feature of cCMV is progressive and permanent hearing loss, which can present at birth or occur later in life—making universal screening essential for identifying all at-risk infants, not just those with symptoms.
For more information:
Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OTO Journal) is the official peer-reviewed publication of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Our mission is to publish contemporary, ethical, clinically relevant information in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery (ear, nose, throat, head, and neck disorders) that can be used by otolaryngologists, clinicians, scientists, and specialists to improve patient care and public health.
About the AAO-HNS/F
The AAO-HNS/F is one of the world’s largest organizations representing specialists who treat the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons diagnose and treat medical disorders that are among the most common affecting patients of all ages in the United States and around the world. Those medical conditions include chronic ear disease, hearing and balance disorders, hearing loss, sinusitis, snoring and sleep apnea, allergies, swallowing disorders, nosebleeds, hoarseness, dizziness, and tumors of the head and neck as well as aesthetic and reconstructive surgery and intricate micro-surgical procedures of the head and neck. The Academy has approximately 13,000 members. The AAO-HNS Foundation works to advance the art, science, and ethical practice of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery through education, research, and quality measurement.
