There is no single virus that causes hearing loss, and not everyone’s experience is the same. While one person might survive a serious childhood infection and end up with a profound hearing loss or even deaf, another might experience a virus later in life. Hearing loss comes in many forms, and while we can draw patterns between them, every case is unique.
While there is no sure-fire way to avoid hearing loss, staying vigilant and recognizing symptoms of viruses early on can prevent them from spreading further. Proper diagnosis and treatment are also necessary, so it’s best to know what kinds of viruses cause hearing loss in the first place.
What kind of viruses cause hearing loss?
Many different types of illnesses can cause hearing loss, but there are two categories for sorting viruses with this effect. Some viruses can cause congenital hearing loss, while others result in acquired hearing loss later in life. Certain viruses can even fall into both of these categories. When dealing with hearing loss, these categories help doctors determine what viral infection is present.
While some of these infections are rare, others might be more prevalent. For example, Cytomegalovirus, a virus that causes congenital hearing loss in children, affects about one out of every 100 babies.
Viruses that cause hearing loss
As mentioned above, viral causes of hearing loss can vary between congenital, acquired, and both. It’s important to differentiate between these three in order to successfully diagnose someone. If you or a loved one is suffering from sudden SNHL or sudden sensorineural hearing loss, it is vital that you seek help from a professional. Children who suffer from congenital viruses are at a greater risk of hearing loss. These viruses can include:
German Measles, or Rubella. An RNA virus, Rubella is transmitted through fluids like phlegm and saliva. If a mother is infected with Rubella during pregnancy, her child becomes at risk of obtaining the congenital form of the virus. Rubella is also one of the TORCH group, and hearing loss typically sets in 6-12 months after birth.
- Cytomegalovirus. This DNA virus is responsible for most non-genetic cases of SNHL in infants and children. CMV belongs to TORCH, a group of viruses that frequently cause hearing loss in children. In many cases, CMV-infected child will develop hearing loss after their SNHL screenings are finished. For this reason, it is important that parents remain vigilant if they have a CMV-positive child.
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV). While not transmittable through human-to-human contact, this RNA virus is transmitted through contact with rat feces, urine, and saliva. While hearing loss isn’t as common in children infected with LCMV, it is a well-documented congenital effect.
Children and adults suffering from SNHL can also be diagnosed with the following viruses, which cause both congenital and acquired hearing loss after infection.
- HSV Types 1 & 2. Both HSV one and two belong to the herpesvirus family, and this virus can occur in children and adults. While adults might acquire this virus through contact, children with HSV1 or HSV2-positive mothers can become infected in-utero. To prevent infection of children from their mothers, therapies, medications, and cesarean births are recommended.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). A well-known RNA virus that can lead to AIDS, along with a variety of other conditions and illnesses. By killing T-cells, children and adults suffering from HIV become susceptible to opportunistic infections. Hearing loss is a common side effect of HIV, with 2/3 of HIV-positive children suffering SNHL, and 1/2 of that group suffering from developed hearing loss. The last group of viruses includes viruses that cause acquired hearing loss. This form of hearing loss typically occurs in those who are older and are not suffering from a congenital virus.
West Nile Virus. Related to both yellow and dengue fever, West Nile is an RNA virus transmitted through insects – typically mosquitos. While hearing loss resulting from a West Nile infection is rare, every case but one ended with the patient spontaneously recovering from their hearing loss.
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV). A DNA virus also belonging to the herpes family. Zoster and shingles are both forms of the reactivated VZV. VZV can cause issues with the nerves of the face, auditory canal, and tongue. In some cases, the resulting hearing loss was reversed or alleviated through the use of corticosteroids and other medications.
Measles (Rubeola). An RNA virus that previously accounted for 5-10% of all US cases of profound hearing loss. While vaccination has rendered this virus nearly extinct in the United States, outbreaks have occurred due to a number of factors. In places where measles vaccinations are not widespread, the virus continues to cause hearing loss.
Mumps. Belonging to the same family that includes measles, mumps is an RNA virus that can cause a host of problems, including SNHL. With proper diagnosis and treatment, there is a chance this hearing loss can be reversed, but some cases become permanent. It’s also worth noting that viruses do not typically cause conductive hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is usually caused by fluid, bacterial infections, earwax build-up, and injuries to the eardrum.