2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/11/2025 | 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Evaluating the Impact of Universal Newborn cCMV Screening on Newborn Hearing Screening and Follow-up | 308
Evaluating the Impact of Universal Newborn cCMV Screening on Newborn Hearing Screening and Follow-up
Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is a prevalent congenital infection and the most common cause of non-genetic permanent hearing loss in children, making early identification and intervention important for better outcomes. In 2023, Minnesota (MN) became the first U.S. state to implement universal newborn screening for cCMV. Infants are screened using dried blood spots, with a confirmatory urine test recommended within the first 21 days of life if cytomegalovirus (CMV) is detected. To ensure optimal outcomes, infants diagnosed with cCMV infection will need more frequent audiologic monitoring to detect emerging hearing loss or vestibular dysfunction, identify progression of existing hearing loss, and plan appropriate intervention. MN Department of Health (MDH) audiology guidelines for infants with cCMV recommend an initial diagnostic audiology assessment by 1 month of age or within 1 month of the confirmatory urine test, a second diagnostic audiology assessment between 4 to 5 months of age, and ongoing audiology evaluations until the child reaches 10 years of age.
From February 6, 2023 to February 5, 2024, 60,115 infants were screened for cCMV, resulting in an observed prevalence rate of 0.3% among Minnesota live births. This presentation will discuss the results of newborn hearing screens, diagnostic audiology assessments, and the timeliness of audiology follow-up procedures. We will also present on disparities in completing the recommended cCMV follow-up, sharing insights on factors that may influence a families’ ability to complete follow-up. Longitudinal follow-up for cCMV-positive infants with hearing loss, including multi-disciplinary partnerships, referrals to Early Intervention programs and parent support, will be outlined. The presentation will also summarize key indicators evaluated by the MDH over time and the outcomes observed among infants diagnosed with cCMV with hearing loss. This information highlights the importance of these efforts in connecting families to support services and promoting healthy development for affected infants.
- Describe the approach to universal screening for CMV and audiology monitoring for infants/children with cCMV implemented in Minnesota.
- Understand disparities in completion of follow-up appointments.
- Summarize future considerations for fine tuning guidelines and follow-up practices.
Presentation:
3545975_18115AmandaPavan.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Amanda Pavan
(Primary Presenter,Co-Presenter,Co-Author), Minnesota Department of Health, amanda.pavan@state.mn.us;
Amanda is a Senior Epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health’s Newborn Screening Program, focusing on critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) and early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI). Amanda holds a PhD from Michigan State University with expertise in epidemiology, medical geography, and maternal-child health. Amanda is dedicated to advancing child health and well-being by ensuring that newborns receive timely screenings and follow-up care, while also exploring health disparities that impact adherence to recommended benchmarks and contribute incomplete follow-up.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Sara Lammert
(Co-Presenter,Co-Author), Minnesota Department of Health, sara.lammert@state.mn.us;
Sara is an epidemiologist, focusing on longitudinal follow-up of children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Kirsten Coverstone
(Co-Author), MN Dept. of Health, Kirsten.Coverstone@state.mn.us ;
Dr. Kirsten Coverstone is an audiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Newborn Screening Program. As a coordinator of Minnesota’s EHDI program, Kirsten has worked at the local, state, and national levels to support best practice for universal newborn screening, timely & complete audiologic follow-up for hearing, and early access to intervention. In addition, Kirsten implemented the statewide hearing instrument loaner program for infants and young children in Minnesota. Universal screening, education, and follow-up for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) has been a longstanding aspiration as cCMV is the leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss and is intricately related to EHDI. She serves as current Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH), & Co-Chair of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) EHDI Data Committee.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Annikka Strong
(Co-Author), Minnesota Department of Health-Public Health Lab, Newborn Screening, Annikka.Strong@state.mn.us;
Annikka Strong, serves as a Health Program Representative for Minnesota Department of Health, Newborn Screening focusing on EHDI program follow-up
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Melanie Wege
(Co-Author), Minnesota Department of Health - Newborn Screening Program, melanie.wege@state.mn.us;
Melanie Wege is a board certified audiologist who joined the Minnesota EHDI Team after 17 years as a clinical audiologist with a primary interest in pediatric diagnosis and follow-up. Her focus with the Minnesota EHDI Team is to provide education, support, and ongoing quality system improvement strategies to all providers involved with infant hearing screening and follow-up through diagnosis.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Darcia Dierking
(Author,Co-Author), Minnesota Department of Health, darcia.dierking@state.mn.us;
Darcia Dierking, Au.D. holds pediatric audiology specialty certification and has more than 20 years of clinical and research experience working with both children and adults. Dr. Dierking works with the Minnesota Department of Health Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program as an EHDI Coordinator doing longitudinal follow-up for children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Grants for Other activities from HRSA.
• Receives Salary for Employment from MDH.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
HRSA.
Nature: MDH - Employment
HRSA-EHDI grant.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Gina Liverseed
(Co-Author), Minnesota Department of Health, gina.liverseed@state.mn.us;
Gina Liverseed is the CMV Nurse Specialist in the Children and Youth with Special Health Needs section at the Minnesota Department of Health. In this role, she is responsible for coordinating the longitudinal follow-up of children identified with congenital CMV and providing education about CMV to public and provider audiences. She holds Bachelor and Master of Nursing degrees from the University Minnesota and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of North Dakota. Gina has over 20 years of experience working as a maternal-child health nurse and a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. She has a special interest in perinatal infectious disease.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Lexie Barber
(Co-Author), Minnesota Department of Health, lexie.barber@state.mn.us;
Lexie is an epidemiologist, working on longitudinal follow-up for children with newborn screening conditions.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -