Is There an Association between Concurrent Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Sudden Hearing Loss?-A Case-Control Study...

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a complex condition often linked to viral infections.
• The role of specific viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), in the etiology of SSNHL requires further investigation, particularly in East Asian populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between concurrent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in an East Asian cohort.
• To evaluate the correlation between EBV viral load and hearing recovery outcomes following treatment for SSNHL.

Main Methods:

• Prospective enrollment of 29 adult patients with SSNHL of unknown etiology.
• Serological testing including IgA antibody responses (EA, VCA) and EBV DNA quantification via real-time qPCR in serum.
• Post-treatment audiometry to assess hearing recovery and treatment response.

Main Results:

• Approximately 10.3% (3 out of 29) of SSNHL patients tested positive for EBV DNA via qPCR.
• A trend indicated poorer hearing recovery in patients with higher EBV viral loads.
• This study is the first to utilize real-time PCR for detecting concurrent EBV infection in SSNHL.

Conclusions:

• Concurrent EBV infection may play a role in the development of SSNHL in East Asian patients.
• A potential negative correlation exists between EBV DNA levels and hearing gain after steroid therapy.
• Larger-scale studies are warranted to elucidate the precise role and mechanisms of EBV in SSNHL etiology.