Supporting families affected by CMV

To mark CMV Awareness Month in June, The Hearing House hosted a dedicated clinic for our kiritaki/clients and their whānau affected by CMV (cytomegalovirus), a common virus that can impact development and hearing in children. 

“Children impacted by CMV often experience a variety of sensory, motor, and learning challenges that may not receive enough attention because a single issue, such as hearing, may dominate initial concerns,” says Holly Teagle, Clinical Director at The Hearing House. 

CMV is often passed during pregnancy, typically without any symptoms. Increasing awareness and understanding of CMV helps families make informed choices during pregnancy and early childhood, supporting the best possible outcomes for tamariki. 

To strengthen this support, we brought together a multidisciplinary team including a paediatrician, occupational and physical therapists, an educational psychologist, and our own audiologists and speech-language therapists. Together, they provided individual consultations to help families navigate their child’s developmental journey and access the right care and resources early on. 

The feedback from families and professionals was overwhelmingly positive. Families appreciated the opportunity to hear more about CMV and cCMV, ask questions, and connect with others. 

One attendee, mum Sarah, shared her feedback about the day. She highlighted how warmly the team looked after her young daughter, Camden, making everyone feel comfortable and supported. 

“The team were incredibly generous with their time and gave great feedback on Camden’s progress. We really found it useful,” Sarah said. 

The CMV Specialty Clinic was made possible due to the generous support of the Freemasons Foundation and is part of a wider effort across Aotearoa to raise awareness about CMV prevention and management.