May is Better Hearing & Speech Month, which means now is the perfect time to learn more about the effects of hearing loss on everything from the enjoyment of your surroundings to important conversations with your loved ones.
Though they’re the most common causes, hearing loss isn’t always the result of aging or exposure to loud noises. Sometimes it can be caused by a viral infection that impacts the cochlea, the blood vessels in the ear or other parts of the body that help you hear.
Some viruses cause congenital hearing loss, meaning hearing loss that is present at birth, while others cause acquired hearing loss, meaning it occurs later in life. Some viruses are linked to both.
Viruses that Cause Congenital Hearing Loss
Below are some viruses linked to congenital hearing loss:
- Rubella (German measles). Rubella is an RNA virus transmitted through body fluids. If a mother has the infection during pregnancy, the baby is at risk of being infected as well. If hearing loss is a symptom, it typically occurs 6-12 months after the baby is born.
- Cytomegalovirus. This is a DNA virus responsible for most cases of non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss in infants and children. Many children who develop hearing loss as a result of this virus show symptoms after newborn screenings, so it’s important to look out for symptoms.
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). This RNA virus is transmitted through contact with rat feces, urine and saliva. Hearing loss isn’t a common side effect, though it is possible.
Viruses that Cause Acquired Hearing Loss
The below viruses are linked to cases of acquired hearing loss:
- West Nile virus. This RNA virus is transmitted through insects, usually mosquitos. Most cases of hearing loss caused by West Nile virus are temporary.
- Measles (Rubeola). This RNA virus once accounted for 5-10% of all cases of profound hearing loss in the U.S. While vaccinations helped render this virus nearly extinct, outbreaks are beginning to occur in places where vaccination rates are lower.
- Mumps. This virus belongs to the same family as the measles and is linked to sensorineural hearing loss that may be either temporary or permanent.
Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, it’s still possible to catch a virus at Walker Park during socially-distanced activities.
For more information about the possible causes of hearing loss, viral or otherwise, or to schedule a hearing evaluation for you or your child, call the experts at Advanced Hearing today.