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Dengue Fever also known as Backbone fever or Dandy fever is caused by a tiny mosquito bite. However, that simple bite can cause numerous complications and even lead to death. Since Dengue fever is a viral infection the onset of the infection mimics other viral infections with symptoms such as an onset of fever, headache, weakness and joint pain. However, the greatest differentiating factor is that compared to all the other viral infections the onset is quite sudden. The virus has an incubation period of 3 to 7 days following a manifestation of symptoms for 72 hrs. after which there is a period of spontaneous recovery. Although not all diagnosed cases have further complications, there a certain case especially in immunocompromised individuals where the severity of the viral infection leading to Hemorrhagic dengue fever and ultimately Dengue Shock Syndrome which can be fatal (Rebeiro et.al; 2015; Soni et.al,2021).
In the past 5 years the world has seen a rapid increase in the no. of cases with dengue fever. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) there are over 7.4 million people who were diagnosed all over the world in 2024 alone. Statistics currently shows 90 countries with active cases with dengue fever.
Dengue fever is accompanied by several side effects one of among which is hearing loss. Quiet often the onset of hearing loss is Sudden with no other history. A sudden loss is defined as a 30dB or greater over at least three contiguous audiometric frequencies occurring within a 72-hr period (Kuhn et al., 2011). Even though the exact cause behind this effect is yet to be understood, presently research has shown a few possible causes behind it:
Viral Infection and Cochlear Damage:
The dengue virus can potentially impact the cochlear system which is the vital portion of the hearing mechanism. The virus usually reaches and infects the inner ear through blood or Cerebro spinal fluid. Such an invasion has been seen to affect the outer hair cells and cause fibrosis on the cochlear structures and in the end effect the cochlear nerve (Chen et.al; 2019 and Robeiro et.al;2015).
Viral Re-activation:
Though not always the severity of dengue fever can be much greater in certain individuals especially those with a compromised immune system. If the affected individual has had a history of previous infections, there is a high possibility that there are latent viruses within the inner ear tissue. In such individuals especially if it progresses to hemorrhagic dengue, it is highly possible that these latent viruses could get re-activated causing a viral attack on the Inner ear structures. (Wilson 1986, Chen et.al, 2019).
Immune- Mediated Response:
At times the dengue virus can trigger an antibody response that can react with an inner ear antigen causing an inflammatory response within the structures of the inner ear (Reberio etal., 2015).
So, in short can dengue fever effect hearing?
Yes, it can BUT not in every situation as studies have shown us.
Now, what can we do about it?
Well, it is safe to say that even though not quite often dengue fever can affect a person’s hearing across all ages. Now since one’s hearing is not a life-threatening condition it often takes the back seat. However, once the dust settles the quality of life of that person will have been often forgotten.
So, if a person who has undergone dengue fever does feel that they are not hearing clearly as before, it is imperative that an evaluation is done with an Audiologist as soon as they are physically able especially if the affected individual does have a compromised immune system. If an individual does have hearing loss the Audiologist will advise you on how to move forward (Soni et al. 2021; Biju et.al, 2022).
A lot of things in life we cannot control. A mosquito bite giving us Dengue fever. That episode affecting our hearing.
But what happens after that, what we do about it that we can control. So, let’s do that!
While hearing loss is not the most commonly recognized complication of dengue fever, emerging research suggests it is a potential risk. As our understanding of dengue fever continues to evolve, it’s essential for healthcare providers to consider the possibility of auditory complications and for individuals to seek timely medical intervention if they experience any hearing issues following dengue fever.
By raising awareness and improving preventive and diagnostic measures, we can better address the multifaceted impact of dengue fever and mitigate its less visible consequences, including hearing loss.
REFERENCES:
Soni K, Bohra GK, Nair NP, Kaushal D, Patro SK, Goyal A. Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Dengue: A Pilot Study. Iran J Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 May;33(116):157-161.
doi: 10.22038/ijorl.2020.39874.2314. PMID: 34222107; PMCID: PMC8231302.
Wilson WR. The relationship of the herpes virus family to sudden hearing loss: a prospective clinical study and literature review. Laryngoscope 1986; 96: 870–877.
Ribeiro BN, Guimarães AC, Yazawa F, Takara TF, de Carvalho GM, Zappelini CE. Sensorineural hearing loss in hemorrhagic dengue? Int J Surg Case Rep. 2015;8C:38-41. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2014.10.057. Epub 2014 Dec 11. PMID: 25625489; PMCID: PMC4353986.
Chen X, Fu YY, Zhang TY. Role of viral infection in sudden hearing loss. J Int Med Res. 2019 Jul;47(7):2865-2872. doi: 10.1177/0300060519847860. Epub 2019 May 27. PMID: 31130031; PMCID: PMC6683896.