2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/10/2025 | 2:25 PM - 2:55 PM | Voices of Experience: Parents' Insights on Congenital CMV | 302
Voices of Experience: Parents' Insights on Congenital CMV
Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss in infants, yet many medical professionals lack a comprehensive understanding of its impact on families. This program aims to bridge that gap by sharing the authentic experiences of parents navigating a cCMV diagnosis.
Join us as we hear from two courageous mothers who will share their journeys—from initial diagnosis to the challenges of treatment and support. The emotional, social, and educational hurdles they faced, as well as the critical information they wished they had known during their experiences, will be shared.
Through these personal stories, attendees will gain invaluable insights into the patient/parent experience, enhancing a provider’s ability to provide empathetic and informed care. Strategies for improving communication with families, addressing misconceptions about cCMV, and advocating for better screening practices will be discussed. Together, we can work towards a future where all families receive the support they need when faced with a cCMV diagnosis.
- Participants will gain a deeper knowledge of congenital CMV, including its prevalence, symptoms, and long-term impacts on families
- Participants will identify current shortcomings in the healthcare system related to Congenital CMV diagnosis and treatment, motivating them to advocate for better practices
- Participants will leave with specific strategies to implement in their clinical practice, enhancing the overall care for families affected by congenital CMV
Presentation:
3545975_18188LisaEickel.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Megan Becker
(Primary Presenter), National CMV Foundation , mebecker@vcu.edu;
Megan Becker, Ed.D., works as the Director of Residential Life at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and has worked in higher education for the past 18 years. She became an advocate for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) education when her son was born and affected by the virus in 2022. Megan serves as a Community Alliance Chair with the National CMV Foundation for Virginia as well as a volunteer Family Navigator with VCU’s Center for Family Involvement. The Becker family lives in the Greater Richmond area in Virginia.
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.
Lisa Eickel
(Co-Presenter), National CMV Foundation, Center for Family Involvement , eickell@vcu.edu;
Lisa graduated with her Masters in Speech Language Pathology from James Madison University in 2010. She worked as a pediatric Speech- Language Pathologist for 9 years across a variety of settings, including Early Intervention, private practice, charter and public schools.
Lisa became passionate about educating others on Cytomegalovirus (CMV) when her son was born affected by the virus in 2017.
Currently, Lisa works as the DHH Program Director at The Center for Family Involvement and the Family Engagement Coordinator at the Center for Sensory Disabilities within the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University. She serves as Co-Chair of the Virginia EHDI Advisory Committee and Community Alliance Chair with the National CMV Foundation for Virginia. Lisa and her family live in Loudoun County, Virginia.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from Virginia Commonwealth University: Partnership for People with Disabilities.
Nonfinancial -
• Has a Personal
(Caregiver for child born with CMV)
relationship for Volunteer employment.
• Has a Personal,Professional
(Parent representative on the ACCaregiver for child born with CMV who is DHH)
(represent the Center for Family Involvement on the AC)
relationship for Volunteer membership on advisory committee or review panels.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Virginia Commonwealth University
EHDI Advisory Committee .
Nature: Employment .
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.