It’s cold, flu and COVID season again, which means there’s all manner of viruses in the air. Prevent getting sick by staying hydrated, washing your hands frequently, getting plenty of rest and getting vaccinated—it’s for your hearing health.
How Do Viruses Cause Hearing Loss?
While the connection between viral infections and hearing loss is still being studied, there are several predominant theories on how viral infections can cause hearing loss:
- Middle ear infection. Viruses can infect the middle ear, either immediately or as a result of a spreading infection from the sinuses or throat. When the middle ear becomes infected, it can lead to hearing loss.
- Inner ear infection. Respiratory viruses, such as the common cold, can trigger inflammation in the sinuses and throat. Fluid and mucus build up behind the eardrum, leading to an infection in the inner ear.
- Direct damage to the auditory nerve. This nerve carries sound information from the ear to the brain for processing. If the nerve is damaged, hearing is seriously impaired.
- Immune system overreaction (autoimmune disorders). An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body’s natural immune system attacks parts of the body instead of foreign invaders. In some autoimmune disorders, the immune system may attack the cells of the ear, causing hearing loss.
- Congenitally. If a person is infected with a virus during pregnancy, the virus may affect the baby and cause hearing loss either upon birth or later in the child’s life.
- Medication. This is an indirect effect of viruses, but some medications commonly used to fight off infections contain chemicals that are known to attack and damage the inner ear. The good news is that, in most cases, hearing will return to normal once you stop taking that medication.
What Viruses Cause Hearing Loss?
Viruses that are known to cause hearing loss are:
- West Nile virus
- ZIKA virus
- Herpes, especially Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)
- Shingles
- Measles
- Mumps
- HSV Types 1 & 2
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- The common cold
- The flu
- Coronavirus
- “Long COVID”
Viruses that are known to cause congenital hearing loss (e.g., acquired in utero when the mother gets sick) are:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Rubella
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV)
- HSV Types 1 & 2
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Note that HSV and HIV are common to both lists; they can cause acquired hearing loss and congenital hearing loss.
What To Do If You Experience Sudden Hearing Loss After a Viral Infection
If you ever experience a sudden change in hearing for any reason, it’s a good idea to see a hearing health professional right away. They can perform various types of hearing tests to determine the extent of the hearing loss and its cause. Never shrug off sudden changes in hearing loss; left untreated, the issue will only get worse. Contact North Alabama ENT Associates today to schedule an appointment or to learn more.