Background/Objectives: Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is a significant cause of pediatric hearing loss. However, the prevalence and characteristics of cCMV-related hearing loss remain unclear. Methods: A comprehensive search of major databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) was conducted to identify studies and reviews published between 2000 and 2024 that investigated cCMV infection, testing for cCMV, and pediatric hearing loss. Studies were included if they reported on the prevalence, characteristics, current policies, and recommendations for universal cCMV testing in newborns. Results: This review highlights key issues: cCMV is a significant and treatable cause of pediatric hearing loss; most cCMV-related hearing loss cases presented with bilateral and profound hearing impairment; and cCMV testing is performed only for babies who fail newborn hearing screening. Conclusions: This narrative review highlights the significant association between cCMV infection and pediatric hearing loss. Currently, targeted cCMV testing is recommended for newborns who fail newborn hearing screening. Universal cCMV testing may facilitate early diagnosis and directed intervention and could be cost-effective in the long run.

Objectives: This prospective study aimed to assess noise levels in otolaryngology operating rooms (OR), explore noise variation across subspecialties, and examine the correlation between noise, verbal communication, and surgery complexity. Study Design: Prospective trial. Setting: Single academic institution. Methods: Noise levels and surgeon feedback from 60 otolaryngology surgeries at a Tertiary Academic Medical Center were collected between May 2023 and March 2024. Cases were randomly selected based on staff availability, excluding emergency surgeries. The cohort included 13 general ENT, 13 facial plastics, 8 head and neck, 13 laryngology, and 13 rhinology surgeries. Noise data was recorded with a Curconsa Sound Level Meter SL720. Surgeons reported communication ease and case complexity via survey, with communication deemed impaired with the incidence of repeated information in the OR. Case complexity was rated from grade 1 (lowest) to grade 4 (highest). Results: Noise differences between subspecialties’ ORs were statistically significant (p < 0.001), but the Effect size was small (η² ≈ 0.04). The Rhinology OR showed higher average noise levels compared to Facial Plastic (Rhinology louder by ~2.2 dB) and Head-Neck (Rhinology louder by ~2.6 dB). Noise did not significantly impair communication in the OR (p=0.526). Higher noise in the OR did not significantly influence surgical complexity (p=0.547). Conclusion: Noise levels in otolaryngology operating rooms varied modestly across subspecialties. No significant association between noise levels and either communication impairment or surgical complexity was observed.

Background/Objectives: This prospective study aimed to assess noise levels in otolaryngology operating rooms (OR), explore noise variation across subspecialties, and examine the correlation between noise, verbal communication, and surgery complexity. Methods: Prospective observational study. Single academic institution. Noise levels and surgeon feedback from 60 otolaryngology surgeries at a Tertiary Academic Medical Center were collected between May 2023 and March 2024. Cases were prospectively enrolled using a convenience sampling based on research staff availability, excluding emergency surgeries. The cohort included 13 general ENT, 13 facial plastics, 8 head and neck, 13 laryngology, and 13 rhinology surgeries. Noise data was recorded with a Curconsa Sound Level Meter SL720. Surgeons reported communication ease and case complexity via survey, with communication deemed impaired with the incidence of repeated information in the OR. Case complexity was rated from grade 1 (lowest) to grade 4 (highest). Results: Noise differences between subspecialties’ ORs were statistically significant (p < 0.001) but the effect size was small (η² ≈ 0.04). The Rhinology OR showed higher average noise levels compared to Facial Plastic (Rhinology louder by 2.2 dB) and Head–Neck (Rhinology louder by 2.6 dB). Noise did not significantly impair communication in the OR (p = 0.526). Higher noise in the OR did not significantly influence surgical complexity (p = 0.547). Conclusions: Noise levels in otolaryngology operating rooms varied modestly across subspecialties. No significant association between noise levels and either communication impairment or surgical complexity was observed.