Profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following Typhoid Fever in a Young Adult Female: A Rare Complication

Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A, remains endemic in Nepal. Typhoid fever can affect nearly all systems of the body, leading to various complications; however, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) remains an exceptionally rare occurrence. This case report describes a 24-year-old female school teacher who presented with an 8-day history of fever, followed by a 6-day history of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. She was diagnosed with typhoid fever based on a positive Widal test and was treated with intravenous antibiotics, antipyretics, and oral steroids, but her hearing did not improve. She was referred to a tertiary center for further evaluation, where she was diagnosed with profound SNHL. A cochlear implant was recommended but declined by the patient due to financial constraints and uncertainty regarding the outcome. This case highlights the need for further research into the pathogenesis and treatment of SNHL associated with typhoid fever.