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Pediatric Otolaryngology

Pediatric Hearing Loss: Genetics, Imaging, CMV, and Genetic Therapy

Sunday, October 1, 2023
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM East Coast USA Time
Location: 208AB

    Lead Presenter(s)

  • MK

    Margaret A. Kenna, MD, MPH

    Professor of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Director of Clinical Research and the Hearing Loss Program
    Boston Children's Hospital
    Boston, MA, United States

    • Co-Presenter(s)

  • John H. Greinwald, Jr., MD

    Professor
    Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
    Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Disclosure(s):
Margaret A. Kenna, MD, MPH: No relevant relationships to disclose.
John H. Greinwald, MD, Jr.: No relevant relationships to disclose.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Hearing loss is the most common congenital sensory impairment, rising to a prevalence of >15% of 19 year olds. Advancements in genetic diagnosis, temporal bone imaging, and increased awareness of the importance of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection make knowledge of the fundamentals of evaluation and management essential. We present up to date information for the practicing otolaryngologist about the diagnosis of pediatric hearing loss, which can directly affect prognosis and management, including timing of cochlear implantation and cochlear implant outcomes. Over 50% of pediatric hearing loss has a genetic etiology, with genetic therapy now in clinical trials. Additional causes covered in this presentation include congenital CMV and its current diagnosis and management, and congenital and acquired temporal bone anomalies and related brain findings based on CT and MRI imaging. Unilateral and sudden hearing loss will also be addressed.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Understand how to definitely diagnose congenital hearing loss, including the ability to interpret both screening and diagnostic auditory brainstem testing and otoacoustic emissions.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Recognize the basic diagnostic tests and interventions for congenital CMV, and the utility and appropriateness of CT vs. MRI temporal bone imaging, in congenital and pediatric hearing loss. Learn the timing and order of diagnostic tests in various types of hearing loss.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Learn how the etiology of hearing loss, including newly identified genes, can affect both the candidacy process for cochlear implantation as well as potential cochlear implant outcomes.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Hearing loss (HL) is the most common congenital sensory impairment. Knowledge of imaging, congenital CMV, and genetics is needed for best outcomes. A Dec. 2020 JAMA-OtoHNS article (Qian et al) focused on wide disparities in access to HL care and in Otolaryngologist's knowledge about that care.