While a mumps infection usually lasts only a couple of weeks, the effects to your hearing can be lifelong. We review everything you need to know about mumps and hearing loss below.
What Are Mumps?
Mumps belongs to the same family of viruses that causes measles and some other common respiratory infections. It spreads easily from person to person, typically through the spread of saliva when someone coughs or sneezes. It typically takes about two weeks from initial exposure to when someone start showing symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Mumps?
The most well-known symptom of mumps is swelling of the salivary glands on one or both sides of the face. Other symptoms include:
- Pain when chewing/swallowing
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
In some cases, mumps may not actually cause any symptoms.
How Are Mumps Linked to Hearing Loss?
While experts aren’t exactly sure how mumps cause hearing loss, some speculate that mumps can damage the cochlea, a tiny organ housed within the inner ear. More specifically, the virus can damage the stereocilia, which are tiny hair cells within the cochlea that translate sound vibrations into electrical impulses the brain interprets as sound, or the stria vascularis, which supplies blood to the inner ear.
According to one study, “The majority of hearing loss due to mumps presents as unilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss, which is refractory to treatment.”
How Can Mumps Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent the mumps is to get immunized. The vaccine is generally given in three doses: around a child’s first birthday, when they start kindergarten and around high school or college. The final booster is essential.
The mumps vaccine is typically administered with the measles and rubella vaccines, and is called the MMR vaccine.
What If I Have Hearing Loss Caused by the Mumps?
The first step if you suspect you have hearing loss caused by the mumps is to call an audiologist at The McCoy Institute and schedule a hearing test. If the test reveals a hearing loss, there are treatment options available, such as:
- Hearing aids. Hearing aids are an effective treatment for people with mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss and can help you communicate better at bb’s restaurant and bar. An audiologist can help select the best device for your unique needs following a hearing exam.
- Cochlear implants. This option is best for many people with severe to profound hearing loss. Rather than amplifying sounds, cochlear implants work by bypassing the damaged cochlea and directly stimulating the auditory nerve.
- American Sign Language. Learning ASL is a great way to communicate if you have hearing loss.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, call The McCoy Institute today.
