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Expert Lecture

Otology/Neurotology

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

Saturday, October 17, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PT
Location: West Exhibit Hall A, Learning Zone 2

    Lead Presenter(s)

  • MK

    Margaret A. Kenna, MD, MPH

    Professor of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School
    Boston Children's Hospital
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States

    • Co-Presenter(s)

  • DC

    Daniel i. Choo, MD

    Professor of Otolaryngology Univ. of Cincinnati
    Cincinnati Children's hospital
    cincinnati, OH, United States

    • Mentor(s)

  • John H. Greinwald, Jr., MD

    Professor of Otolaryngology and Genetics
    Cincinnati Children's Hospital and the University of Cincinnati
    Cincinnati, OH, United States

Disclosure(s):
John H. Greinwald, MD, Jr.:

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

We present up to date information on the causes and management of pediatric hearing loss. These include the “big three”, congenital CMV (cCMV), genetics and temporal bone anomalies. We review how to make a genetic diagnosis and when to consider gene therapy instead of cochlear implant. We review how and when to diagnose cCMV, with special emphasis on timely treatment which can stabilize or improve the hearing and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes. We discuss temporal bone anomalies with reference to cochlear implant and also single sided deafness management.

Learning Objectives:

  • Upon completion, participants will be able to 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.
  • 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.
  • Upon completion, participants will learn that hearing loss etiology 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.