Mumps-associated Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Review

Mumps is one of the common causes of acquired sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Hearing loss following mumps infection is usually mild or moderate and severe. Bilateral hearing loss due to mumps is very uncommon. The diagnosis is primarily based on clinical presentations, supported by audiometric findings to confirm the degree and nature of deafness. The majority of mumps-related hearing loss manifests as unilateral significant SNHL, which is frequently unresponsive to therapy. Management of mumps-associated SNHL includes early detection and intervention to improve the outcome. Corticosteroids can be prescribed to decrease the inflammation and edema in the inner ear, although their efficacy in treating viral-induced SNHL is uncertain. The role of antiviral medications in mumps-induced SNHL has a limited role with doubtful effectiveness. For those with severe hearing loss, rehabilitation methods including hearing aids and cochlear implants may be beneficial. Cochlear implants improve speech perception in those with bilateral significant hearing loss. It is generally advised to get vaccinated against mumps to avoid hearing loss linked to the disease.