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Sudden deafness and asymptomatic mumps
Acta Oto-Laryngologica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1988
Abstract:
Adult patients who had experienced sudden deafness were examined for possible presence of subclinical mumps infection, using a new method of detecting mumps IgM antibody. Three of 53 patients demonstrated a positive reaction, indicating a strong correlation of sudden deafness with recent mumps infection. Mumps vaccination is recommended for those who have one deaf ear, in order to protect the better ear from mumps infection.
Insights
Sudden deafness in adults may be linked to subclinical mumps infection. Researchers recommend mumps vaccination to protect hearing in the unaffected ear.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sudden deafness is an otolaryngologic emergency with various potential causes.
- Subclinical infections, particularly viral, are increasingly recognized as contributing factors to idiopathic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between subclinical mumps virus infection and adult-onset sudden deafness.
- To evaluate the utility of a novel mumps IgM antibody detection method in this context.
Main Methods:
- Adult patients with sudden deafness were screened for mumps IgM antibodies.
- A new serological assay was employed for sensitive detection of recent mumps infection.
Main Results:
- Three out of 53 adult patients (5.7%) with sudden deafness tested positive for mumps IgM antibodies.
- This suggests a significant correlation between recent mumps infection and the occurrence of sudden deafness.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical mumps infection is a potential cause of sudden deafness in adults.
- Mumps vaccination is advised for individuals with unilateral hearing loss to prevent contralateral ear involvement.