A new series of resources from the Childhood Hearing Australasian Medical Professionals (CHAMP) network helps parents navigate the medical tests recommended for babies with newly diagnosed congenital hearing loss. Access the resources below and via the CHAMP website.
1. Identifying the cause of congenital hearing loss
This guide provides information on tests recommended for babies with newly diagnosed hearing loss.
Congenital hearing loss is hearing loss that is present at birth. It affects about 2 in 1000 children and has many causes. Medical tests may identify the cause of hearing loss, help families understand what to expect and, sometimes, how to minimise worsening hearing loss.
2. Cytomegalovirus
This resource answers frequently asked questions on Cytomegalovirus.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus in the herpesvirus family. Some babies who are born with this virus present at birth may have no symptoms. Some can have hearing loss, which can develop or progress over time, while others can experience other symptoms at birth or disabilities later in life.
3. How to collect salvia from your baby to test for Cytomegalovirus
This resource guides parents/carers on how to collect saliva from your baby to test for Cytomegalovirus.
Taking a saliva/urine sample within a baby’s first 21 days helps to identify whether CMV was caught before birth. CMV caught before birth can cause hearing loss. If the virus is caught after birth, it usually does not affect hearing. Knowing this information helps to guide what specialist management or monitoring may be required.
These resources have been produced by the Childhood Hearing Australasian Medical Professionals (CHAMP) network with the support of Deaf Children Australia and the Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Committee.