Catastrophic Bilateral Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Due to Mumps: Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Mumps is an acute self-limiting systemic disease that can potentially cause serious complications. One of its well-known complications is sensorineural hearing loss. Cases of SNHL associated with mumps are only reported in 1/1000 cases. This condition is also known for its poor prognostic feature regarding the restoration of hearing. Case report: patient 1: A 10-year-old immunized boy complaining of hearing impairment following an insidious onset parotid swelling with low-grade fever. Viral antibody panel serological results of anti-mumps IgM antibody were positive. Following the diagnosis of bilateral complete hearing loss, the patient was hospitalized and received treatment, but unfortunately, there was no improvement in hearing. He was sent home, and a rehabilitation plan was initiated. Patient 2: A 12-year-old non-immunized girl presented with hearing loss after experiencing bilateral tender parotid swelling and low-grade fever. She had complicated hearing loss of gradual onset. A week later a diagnosis of complete bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was confirmed hearing loss was confirmed on audiometry. Salvage therapy trial was initiated. However, there was no improvement. Mumps is highly contagious. In order to eliminate this disease, vaccination programs have been established around the world. The WHO advocates a coverage of 90% to prevent outbreaks. However, in Yemen, immunization programs have been suspended due to the political conflict. This has led to an increase in the number of endemic diseases, including mumps.Bilateral complete SNHL is the rarest form of SNHL, with only 22 cases until 1957. Very few cases have been added since then. Hearing loss may occur at any time before, during, or after the course of a mumps infection. In our cases, hearing loss occurred within the 3rd and 4th day, respectively. Many treatment strategies have failed to restore the hearing, and there is no treatment proven to be effective for sudden SNHL even if steroidal therapy is initiated immediately after the recognition of hearing loss. After hearing loss has occurred due to viral etiology, the retrieval of hearing using medical therapy is considered remote. The failure of treatment in our patient may also be related to the severity of cochlear damage. Hearing loss due to mumps infection is likely to be permanent regardless of treatment. Vaccination alone cannot prevent such deafness and outbreaks.

Keywords

• Hearing loss
• deafness
• mumps

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