Effects of cytomegalovirus (CMV) related deafness on pediatric cochlear implant outcomes

OBJECTIVE: Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a commonly recognized viral cause of perinatal sensorineural hearing loss. CMV-infected infants are also at risk for developmental neurological deficits. This retrospective study assesses the impact of CMV-induced deafness on pediatric cochlear implant outcomes. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Thirteen patients from the Johns Hopkins pediatric cochlear implant database were identified with CMV-related deafness. A retrospective review of the medical records of the Johns Hopkins Hospital was performed. RESULTS: The mean age at implantation was 5.6 years. Follow-up audiometric data ranged from 6 to 48 months postoperatively. Mean speech perception scores were 4.5 (out of 6) following implantation. CONCLUSION: We have shown that cochlear implants can provide useful speech comprehension to patients with CMV-related deafness. Speech recognition scores were within the range established by our overall pediatric implant population. SIGNIFICANCE: This observation underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program following implantation in these patients at risk for cognitive delay.