.1 ASHA CEU, Introductory Level
Complimentary for GSHA members and $25 for non-members
No discount code required, just log in!

Abstract:
Congenial cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common intrauterine infection in the United States with an estimated incidence of 0.5-1.0% of all newborns affected by the disease. While there is a constellation of long-term sequelae associated with cCMV, sensorineural hearing loss is the most common effect. However, without testing in the early newborn period, it is not possible to determine the congenital nature of the disease. In July 2024, the Georgia Department of Public Health added hearing-targeted screening for congenital cytomegalovirus to the rules and regulations for birthing facilities. Beginning in October 2024, hospitals must implement screening for cCMV for all infants who do not pass the newborn hearing screening prior to discharge. As a result, audiologists and other professionals must be prepared to closely monitor the hearing and vestibular status of newborns who test positive for cCMV in order to provide early intervention if hearing loss is identified. This presentation will review the risk factors and effects of cCMV as well as the recommended audiovestibular monitoring protocol for surveillance of infants who test positive for the disease.

Learning Objectives:
As a result of this course, participants will be able to:
● describe prevalence, risk factors, and signs/symptoms of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV)
● list cCMV testing methods
● summarize the GA Dept of Public Health cCMV screening protocol
● explain the recommended audiovestibular monitoring protocol for cCMV

Time-ordered Agenda:
6:00-6:05: Introduction
6:05-6:20: Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) risk factors, symptoms, and sequelae
6:20-6:35: Test methods for cCMV and Georgia’s hearing-targeted protocol
6:35-6:50: Georgia’s recommended audiovestibular monitoring protocol
6:50-7:00: Questions/Wrap Up

Disclosures:
Financial disclosures: Employee at University of Georgia
Nonfinancial disclosures: American Academy of Audiology coding and reimbursement committee; Commissioner with Georgia Commission for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Biography:
Alison Morrison, Au.D., CCC-A is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education at the University of Georgia (UGA) and a pediatric audiologist at the UGA Speech and Hearing Clinic. Dr. Morrison holds the certificate of clinical competence in audiology from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association and is active with the American Academy of Audiology. She received her Doctor of Audiology degree from Vanderbilt University in 2012 and has over 10 years of clinic experience in direct service provision in multiple clinical settings including regional medical centers and university clinics. Dr. Morrison has served in various leadership roles at the state and national levels and is proud to have co-founded the UGA Pediatric Audiology Symposium which brings clinically-relevant continuing education to pediatric audiologists in the state of Georgia and beyond. Dr. Morrison’s specialty area is in the diagnosis and (re)habilitation of infants and children with hearing loss. She has a strong commitment to evidence-based practices and collaborative initiatives between healthcare professionals serving individuals with hearing loss.