Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation in Mumps-Induced Single-Sided Deafness: A Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND Mumps, a viral infection from the Paramyxoviridae family, is a rare but significant cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), especially in children. While typically unilateral, mumps-induced SNHL can result in profound single-sided deafness, for which cochlear implantation may be considered when hearing aids are ineffective. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes of cochlear implantation in patients with single-sided deafness caused by mumps. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study included 14 patients (10 women, 4 men; mean age 39.4) with single-sided deafness caused by mumps. Inclusion criteria included a hearing threshold ≥90 dB and no benefit from hearing aids. Audiometric evaluations and speech discrimination tests were conducted preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Surgical procedures followed the 6-step Skarżyński method with a round window approach. RESULTS Implants were successfully placed in all patients, with full electrode insertion achieved in 92.9% of cases. The mean time from hearing loss to implantation was 28.1 years. Postoperative speech discrimination improved significantly: from 0-10% preoperatively to 48.9% word-recognition score without and 66.8% word-recognition score with an active processor. Hearing preservation was achieved in 11 out of 12 evaluable patients, with partial preservation in 58% and minimal in 33%. CONCLUSIONS Cochlear implantation in patients with mumps-induced single-sided deafness provides substantial auditory benefits, particularly in speech perception. Favorable surgical outcomes were achieved even in cases with cochlear ossification. Given the scarcity of evidence specific to this etiology, the present findings underscore the effectiveness of cochlear implantation and warrant further validation through large-scale, prospective investigations.