Viral etiology of sensorineural sudden deafness: Myth or reality?
Main Article Content
Keywords
Sudden hearing loss, etiology, virus, respiratory syncytial virus
Abstract
Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a rare cause of hearing loss. Most are considered idiopathic and only 10-15% can discover an etiologic factor. Four pathophysiological theories have been proposed: viral, vascular, immunological and rupture of membranes. The viral etiology is controversial and there are reports with varying results. Aim: To investigate the viral etiology as a cause of HSNS and evaluate their presence in relation to the prognosis of hearing recovery. Material and method: descriptive, observational study of 24 months, patients with symptoms and exams compatible SSHL. Before treatment, nasopharyngeal aspirate was taken and then analyzed using Microarray. Results: Were enrolled 15 patients. In 9 was detected a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and four of them simultaneously also other viruses (Bocavirus, Herpes VI and VII). There were no cases of Herpes Virus I and II. There were no evidence differences in auditory development in the group with samples positive for virus. Conclusions: The viral etiology of SSHL remains controversial. 60% of patients tested were positive, however, there was no Herpes virus I or II in the samples. RSV appears as a new agent involved, even when was out of regular season.
