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Expert Lectures

Pediatric Otolaryngology

Pediatric Hearing Loss: What's New in Genetics and Gene Therapy, Congenital CMV and Imaging

Saturday, October 11, 2025
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM EDT
Location: 234
Disclosure(s):
Margaret A. Kenna, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

john H. greinwald, MD, Jr.:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

daniel i. choo, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies 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 congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection make knowledge of the fundamentals of evaluation and management of pediatric hearing loss essential. We present current information for the otolaryngology practitioner 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 the first ever gene therapy for hearing loss in clinical trials. Given the availability of prenatal genetic testing, knowledge of gene therapy is now key. 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.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Understand how to confirm the presence of a congenital hearing loss and diagnose the causes of pediatric hearing loss. Learn how to interpret potential prenatal causes of hearing loss.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Recognize diagnostic tests and interventions for congenital CMV and understand 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 both unilateral and bilateral 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. Learn the role of emerging gene therapies in the management of genetic hearing loss.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Pediatric HL affects speech, language and social development. Knowledge of imaging, congenital CMV, and genetics is needed for best outcomes. A 2020 JAMA-OtoHNS article (Qian et al) focused on wide disparities in access to HL care and in Otolaryngologist's knowledge about that care.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

    Lead Presenter(s)

  • MK

    Margaret A. Kenna, MD

    Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School
    \rBoston Children's Hospital \r
    Boston, MA, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Presenter(s)

  • jg

    john H. greinwald, Jr., MD

    Professor
    Cincinnati Children's hospital
    Cincinnati, OH, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Mentor(s)

  • dc

    daniel i. choo, MD

    Professor and Director, Division of Otolaryngology head and neck surgery
    Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
    cincinnati, OH, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.