Mumps labyrinthitis, endolymphatic hydrops and sudden deafness in succession in the same ear

Acute sensorineural hearing loss, mostly unilateral and reversible, is a well-known complication to mumps. Secondary endolymphatic hydrops, Ménière's syndrome, has rarely been associated with a previous mumps infection. This paper presents the case report of a woman who experienced unilateral hearing loss, vestibular symptoms and a caloric depression on the same ear during mumps. The symptoms and findings were reversible. Twelve years later she developed Ménière's symptoms in the same ear. This continued for 2 years after which she suddenly had a sensorineural hearing loss. This was localized in the mid- and high-tone area and was almost identical with the initial hearing loss 14 years earlier. Viral damage to the resorptive structures of the inner ear seems to have caused the hydrops. It also seemed to have weakened the neuronal structures of the ear, letting the initial damage become overt after repeated attacks of pathological pressure changes.