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Exploring the unexpected: sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo as a complication of mumps

Aswathi Kallyadan Veetil1, Hanifa Akthar2, Ruuzeno Kuotsu3

  • 1Otorhinolaryngology & Head and neck surgery, AIl India Institute Of Medical Sciences - Guwahati, Changsari, Assam, India aswathikv137@gmail.com.

BMJ Case Reports
|May 2, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Mumps infection can cause severe, permanent sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and temporary vestibular issues. This case study details a patient experiencing profound hearing loss and vertigo following mumps.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Mumps, a viral illness, commonly presents with parotid gland swelling.
  • Mumps can lead to serious complications, including sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and vestibular dysfunction.
  • Inner ear involvement in mumps, such as labyrinthitis, can result in significant auditory and balance problems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of mumps-induced sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular symptoms.
  • To illustrate the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and management of mumps-related inner ear complications.
  • To discuss the pathogenesis of mumps-induced labyrinthitis and its impact on hearing and balance.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a male patient in his early 30s.
  • Clinical evaluation including audiometry and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Serological testing for mumps IgM antibodies.

Main Results:

  • The patient developed unilateral SNHL and vertigo one week after mumps infection.
  • Audiometry confirmed profound right-sided hearing loss.
  • MRI revealed inner ear inflammation (labyrinthitis), and despite corticosteroid treatment, hearing did not recover, though vertigo resolved.

Conclusions:

  • Mumps can cause severe, often irreversible SNHL and transient vestibular symptoms due to viral endolymphatic labyrinthitis.
  • Radiological findings like MRI hyperintensities support the diagnosis of mumps-induced labyrinthitis.
  • Comprehensive evaluation is crucial for managing mumps-related inner ear complications.
Keywords:
Ear, nose and throatInfectionsMagnetic Resonance ImagingMedical management

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