Publication: Viral infections in sudden hearing loss. Do we have enough evidence?
Date
2005
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Objective: The aetiology of sudden deafness remains unknown even though some evidences suggest that it could be
viral in origin. This study aimed to find out the relationship between viral infections and sudden sensorineural
hearing loss. Methods: 32 patients presenting with sudden deafness and 10 healthy controls were included in the
study. IgM antibodies to varicella zoster virus, measles, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus were detected
using micro ELISA. Results: Overall, 7(21.8%) patients showed seropositivity to one or more viruses. Virus
specific IgM antibodies against measles and varicella zoster could be demonstrated in 4 (12.5%) and 3 (9.4%)
patients respectively. None of the samples were found to be positive for herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human
cytomegalovirus (HCMV) specific IgM antibodies. Controls were negative for all the viruses tested. The difference
in seropositivity between the patient and control group was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Thus,
this study suggests that sudden deafness is not commonly associated with a systemic viral infection.
Key Words: Sudden deafness, viruses, serology.