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Do viruses cause inner ear disturbances?

I Pyykko1, J Zou

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland. ilmari.pyykko@pshp.fi

ORL; Journal for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Its Related Specialties
|February 1, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Viral infections like varicella zoster virus (VZV), influenza B, and Coxsackie virus B5 are linked to inner ear disorders. Further research is needed to confirm their role in hearing loss and latent infections.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Virology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • The link between viral infections and inner ear diseases remains controversial.
  • Animal studies suggest viruses can cause hearing loss by targeting inner ear cells.
  • Specific viral receptors (e.g., CAR) and non-specific cellular interactions are implicated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between viral infections and inner ear disorders in humans.
  • To evaluate antibody titers against various viruses in patients with Ménière's disease, recurrent vertigo, and hearing loss.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical, serological, neuro-otologic, and endoscopic evaluations were performed on 273 patients and 43 controls.
  • Antibody titers against neurotropic and common viruses were measured.
  • Statistical analysis was used to compare viral titers between patient groups and controls.

Main Results:

  • Elevated titers of varicella zoster virus (VZV), influenza B, Coxsackie virus B5 (CBV5), and RSV were found in patients with inner ear disease compared to controls.
  • VZV and influenza B titers showed intercorrelation.
  • No significant correlation was found between hearing loss and viral titers.

Conclusions:

  • VZV, Coxsackie virus B5, and influenza B virus are potential primary causes of inner ear disorders.
  • The spiral ganglion and Scarpa's ganglion may harbor viral DNA, suggesting potential for latent infections.

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