[Sudden deafness and virus infection (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Virology
• Immunology

Context:

• Sudden deafness, also known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss, is a complex condition with various potential etiologies.
• Viral infections are increasingly recognized as a significant, though often undiagnosed, cause of sudden deafness.
• Understanding the role of viruses is critical for effective diagnosis and management of hearing loss.

Purpose:

• To investigate the prevalence and diagnostic indicators of viral infections in patients presenting with sudden deafness.
• To explore the pathogenetic mechanisms, specifically viral endolymphatic labyrinthitis, contributing to acute hearing loss.
• To evaluate the efficacy of conventional therapies and emphasize the importance of preventive strategies.

Summary:

• A literature review on virus-induced sudden deafness was conducted, followed by a virological-serological examination of 46 patients with acute hearing loss.
• Evidence suggesting a viral etiology was found in 9 patients based on complement fixation reaction titre changes, with 5 cases supported by recent viral infection history.
• Viral endolymphatic labyrinthitis was highlighted as a key pathogenetic factor. Treatment outcomes were similar to non-viral causes, underscoring the need for prophylaxis.

Impact:

• This study contributes to the understanding of viral-induced sudden deafness, aiding in more accurate diagnosis.
• It highlights the limitations of current therapies and emphasizes the critical role of preventive strategies in managing viral hearing loss.
• Findings support further research into specific antiviral treatments and preventative measures for sudden deafness.