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Deafness following mumps: the possible pathogenesis and incidence of deafness
Abstract:
Mumps is thought to be the most common cause of unilateral acquired sensorineural deafness in children. Mumps deafness is usually sudden in onset, profound or complete, and may be associated with vestibular symptoms. The authors' clinical survey of 55 patients with unilateral deafness which could reasonably be ascribed to mumps indicates that the hearing loss is exclusively unilateral, severe or total and permanent, and that approximately 45% of the patients experienced dysequilibrium of vestibular origin. An analysis of the present series of mumps deafness also suggests that the primary route of invasion of the virus is hematogenous, and thus the term "viral endolymphatic labyrinthitis" is proposed as the possible pathogenesis of the deafness, since both tympanogenic and meningogenic routes of viral invasion to the labyrinth can be excluded on the basis of the clinical and cerebrospinal fluid studies. This view of the pathogenesis, particularly that mumps meningitis is not associated with deafness, is supported by several reports including those of Vuori et al. (1962), Azimi et al., (1969), Lindsay (1973), Nadol (1978), etc. The incidence of deafness following mumps appears to be extremely low, approximately 1:20,000, as estimated by Everberg (1957).
Insights
Mumps is a common cause of acquired sensorineural deafness in children, often resulting in permanent, unilateral hearing loss and vestibular issues. The study proposes viral endolymphatic labyrinthitis as the likely cause, originating from a hematogenous viral invasion.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mumps is a leading cause of acquired unilateral sensorineural deafness in children.
- Mumps-related deafness is typically sudden, profound, and may involve vestibular symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of unilateral deafness attributed to mumps.
- To explore the pathogenesis of mumps-induced deafness.
Main Methods:
- Clinical survey of 55 patients with unilateral deafness.
- Analysis of clinical data and cerebrospinal fluid studies.
- Exclusion of tympanogenic and meningogenic viral invasion routes.
Main Results:
- Hearing loss was exclusively unilateral, severe/total, and permanent in all patients.
- Approximately 45% of patients experienced vestibular dysequilibrium.
- Evidence suggests a hematogenous route of viral invasion.
Conclusions:
- Viral endolymphatic labyrinthitis is proposed as the pathogenesis of mumps deafness.
- Mumps meningitis is not associated with deafness.
- The incidence of mumps-induced deafness is estimated to be very low (1:20,000).