Many studies have been done finding a connection between a virus of the herpes family the "Cytomegalovirus" (CMV) and the deterioration of hearing health in children. These studies have been done by the University of Alabama as well as the Baylor College of Medicine.
The virus is part of the herpes family, although not as easily spreadable. It can be transmitted through contact with fluids such as saliva, breast milk, semen, urine, blood, cervical secretions. According to an article written by the American Speech-Language–Hearing Association (ASHA), “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.
There is a 10%-15% that children who are infected with CMV will suffer from loss of hearing. According to ASHA, preventing infection with the virus can be done “through simple hygienic practices such as hand-washing.”
If you believe your child may suffer from hearing loss visit your local Miami Audiologist such as Dr. Joseph Duran for a consultation.
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