L’impianto cocleare nel CMV congenito: indicazioni e outcomes. L’esperienza di un centro pediatrico.

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the main non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss. Diagnosis of cCMV infection can be performed by testing for viral DNA in urine within three weeks of birth, or later by PCR analysis of blood samples. There is much controversy in the literature regarding prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Congenital hearing loss can be detected in the neonatal period by audiological screening at birth, but sometimes cCMV hearing loss can arise later, even in school age, and may be progressive, unilateral or bilateral. In all cases of congenital CMV infection, a long audiological follow-up is therefore essential. The indication for the type of hearing rehabilitation treatment depends on the type and the extent of hearing loss. Currently, the cochlear implant represents a solution for severe-profound hearing loss, even in cases of hearing loss that manifests itself late and progressively.