Ear-ache and deafness
Children suffering from mumps can develop a temporary earache and deafness in one or both ears. Permanent loss of hearing is infrequent in children but can frequently occur in long-standing mumps in adults. Mumps virus damages the cochlea, an organ in the inner ear that plays a major part in hearing. Hair cells inside the cochlea are damaged by the infection, leading to deafness. These hair cells are responsible for translating sound vibration into nerve impulses, which are further converted to sound by the brain. In most cases, the sense of hearing improves within one week after the infection is treated, but ignorance can lead to permanent deafness and severe ear ache. Tinnitus and other vestibular symptoms can also be reported in some cases.
There is no proper treatment of mumps virus. You can ward off the complications by effective vaccination of your children and high-risk individuals in the community. MMR vaccine is most commonly used all over the world to prevent mumps infection. In case of permanent hearing damage, your doctor may give you an option of a cochlear implant or hearing aid. You must ask your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect mumps infection as a cause of your deafness. Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss is more common than the bilateral conductive hearing loss due to mumps. Routine hearing studies should be done in patients with a history of mumps.
