The Silent Consequence: Mumps and Deafness

Background: Mumps is a common viral infection affecting children, primarily involving the salivary glands. However, it can also lead to serious complications, including sensorineural hearing loss. While mumps-related deafness is typically unilateral and sudden in onset, bilateral total sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) as described here, is an extremely rare complication, with few reported cases in medical literature.

Case Presentation: This report details the case of an 11-year-old girl who developed sudden total bilateral deafness due to a symptomatic mumps infection. The child exhibited prior signs of parotid gland swelling, vertigo, or systemic like mild fever or altered sensorium. Diagnostic evaluations, including brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) and pure-tone audiometry, confirmed profound bilateral SNHL. MRI Brain ruled out aseptic meningitis. Serological testing indicated recent mumps virus exposure, confirming the etiology.

Management & Outcome: The patient was treated with an immunosuppressive regimen, including methylprednisolone, based on the hypothesis of immune-mediated cochlear damage. Despite treatment, no improvement in hearing was observed. Hearing aids were ineffective, leading to the decision for cochlear implantation as the only viable rehabilitative option.

Conclusion: This case underscores the potential severity of mumps-related complications, particularly rare bilateral SNHL in asymptomatic infections. Early diagnosis, vaccination, and prompt management remain essential in preventing and mitigating such irreversible outcomes.