A mumps infection typically only lasts a few weeks, but the effects can be life-long, particularly when it comes to your hearing. In this post, we review everything you need to know about the connection between mumps and hearing loss.
About the Mumps
The mumps virus belongs to the same family of viruses that cause measles and other common respiratory infections. It can spread easily from person to person through saliva droplets, especially when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In most cases, it takes about two weeks from the initial exposure until symptoms present.
Symptoms of Mumps
The characterizing symptom of mumps is swelling of the salivary glands on one or both sides of the face. Other symptoms include:
- Pain when chewing or swallowing
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Note that in some cases, a person can be infected with mumps but not show any symptoms.
The Link Between Mumps & Hearing Loss
Experts aren’t certain how the mumps causes hearing loss, but some speculate that mumps causes damage to the cochlea, a tiny organ within the inner ear. More specifically, the virus can affect the stereocilia, which are tiny hair cells that line the cochlea. Their job is to convert incoming soundwaves into electrical energy that is interpreted by the brain as sound. Mumps can also impact the stria vascularis, which supplies blood to the inner ear.
One study published in Acta Oto-Laryngologica reports, “The majority of hearing loss due to mumps presents as unilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss.” This means single-sided hearing loss caused by nerve damage.
Preventing the Mumps
The most effective way to prevent yourself from getting the mumps is to get immunized. The mumps vaccine is typically administered with the measles and rubella vaccines and is called the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine is generally given in three doses: around a child’s first birthday, when they start kindergarten and around high school.
Treating Hearing Loss Caused by the Mumps
If you suspect you have hearing loss after being infected by the mumps, the first step is to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive hearing test with Southwestern Hearing & Balance. If the test reveals hearing loss is present, treatment options include:
- Hearing aids. Hearing aids are the gold standard of treatment for most cases of hearing loss. Today’s devices come in a wide range of styles, sizes and colors, and boast amazing features that can improve your communication with friends at The Shed. An audiologist can recommend the best device for your needs.
- Cochlear implants. This option is often recommended for people with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss that doesn’t respond to hearing aids. Cochlear implants work by bypassing the damaged cochlea and directly stimulating the auditory nerve.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call Southwestern Hearing & Balance today.