Simultaneous Sudden Hearing Loss and Peripheral Facial Paralysis in a Patient With Covid-19

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Neurological manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) include peripheral facial paralysis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
• While less common than anosmia, these symptoms indicate potential neurotropism of the virus.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old woman, confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2, presented with simultaneous isolated facial paralysis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
• Electrophysiological tests, including Auditory Brainstem Response and electroneurography, confirmed seventh and eighth nerve involvement.
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the internal acoustic canal provided radiological evidence.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates electrophysiological and radiological evidence of simultaneous involvement of the facial (seventh) and auditory (eighth) nerves in a SARS-CoV-2 positive patient.
• This presentation suggests a potential association between COVID-19 infection and concurrent sudden sensorineural hearing loss and isolated facial paralysis.

Implications:

• This report suggests a possible link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and simultaneous sudden hearing loss and facial paralysis.
• Further research is necessary to ascertain if this association is coincidental or indicative of a causal relationship, guiding clinical suspicion and management.