Universal Newborn CMV Screening Improves Early Detection of Hearing Loss

A new retrospective cohort study reveals that universal newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) significantly decreases the age at which infants receive their first audiology visit and increases the identification of mild hearing loss. The findings, published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, support the growing evidence base for universal cCMV screening programs as a critical public health tool.

Understanding Congenital Cytomegalovirus

Congenital cytomegalovirus is the leading infectious cause of birth defects and the most common non-genetic cause of hearing loss in infants, affecting approximately 1 in every 200 newborns. CMV-related hearing loss can be progressive, with over 55% of affected children developing hearing loss after the newborn period. Early identification is crucial because antiviral treatment is most effective when initiated within the first month of life.

Minnesota’s Pioneering Program

Researchers at the University of Minnesota examined 132 patients diagnosed with cCMV at Children’s Minnesota between 2021 and 2024, comparing outcomes before, during, and after the implementation of universal screening. Key findings include:

• Faster Hearing Evaluations: Infants were seen by audiology at roughly 25 days of age on average after mandated screening, compared to about 8.5 months before screening existed.
• Increased Detection of Mild Hearing Loss: Mandated screening identified four times as many cases of mild hearing loss compared to the prior year, while the number of severe hearing loss diagnoses remained consistent.
• Dramatic Increase in Diagnoses: The number of cCMV diagnoses rose from approximately 3 per year before 2022 to 61 per year after universal screening was implemented.
• Proportionally Fewer Interventions: While the overall number of infants requiring treatment (antiviral medication or hearing devices) remained similar, these cases represented a smaller proportion of all positive screens, indicating a larger population of milder, previously undetected cases were now being identified.

“Our experience in Minnesota shows that universal screening for cCMV enhances our ability to catch mild hearing loss early on in life and has the potential to improve the life of children who are diagnosed with the disease,” said Andrew J. Redmann, MD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical School and Children’s Minnesota.

National Advocacy and State-Level Momentum

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) is actively advocating for cCMV screening at both the federal and state levels.

Federal Efforts: The Stop CMV Act

The Stop CMV Act (H.R. 5435/S. 2842) was reintroduced in the 119th Congress with bipartisan support. This legislation aims to authorize federal funding for cCMV screening programs to improve early detection and intervention of hearing loss in infants.

State-Level Progress in 2026

As of late 2025, Connecticut and Minnesota have universal screening mandates. Several other states are considering or have implemented hearing-targeted screening laws. The AAO-HNS is actively involved in advocacy efforts across the country:

• New York: The Academy submitted a letter supporting legislation (A.3956 and A.3074) to establish universal newborn CMV screening and reporting of positive results.
• Oregon: AAO-HNS testified before the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) on rules implementing the state’s targeted cCMV screening program, advocating for otolaryngology as a first-line referral and the leverage of telehealth.
• Vermont: AAO-HNS supported legislation (H.533) to add cCMV to the newborn screening panel, provide education, and create an advisory committee.
• Massachusetts: The Academy submitted testimony in support of H. 4367, which would require universal cCMV screening, establish a public education program, and create an advisory committee.

Additional states, including Michigan, Illinois, and Vermont, are expected to consider cCMV screening proposals in the near future.

“The evidence from Minnesota’s pioneering program—and from studies across the country—overwhelmingly supports universal screening,” 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 early identification through screening is essential to timely intervention and to the long-term developmental success of children.”