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Video

Otology/Neurotology

(A826) Herpesvirus and Impact on Recovery in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Monday, October 13, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Location: OTO EXPO, Posters

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Norma O. Penido, MD, PhD

    Professor
    Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery/ Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo
    São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Tracy Lima Tavares Soeiro, MD

    Masters Program
    Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery/ Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo
    sao paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

  • Marina a Cançado Passarelli Scott, MD

    Masters Program
    Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery/ Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo
    São Paulo, Sao Paulo, United States

  • JB

    Jônatas Bussador do Amaral, PhD

    Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery/ Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo, United States

    • Senior Author(s)

  • SC

    Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD

    Partner
    ENT & Allergy, LLP
    New York, New York, United States

Disclosure(s):
Norma O. Penido, MD, PhD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Tracy Lima Tavares Soeiro, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.


Introduction: This study examines the role of herpesviruses and other infections in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), characterized by rapid hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. The causes remain unclear, but herpesviruses such as HSV, VZV, and CMV have been suggested as potential contributors.

Methods: The aim was to assess the incidence of herpesviruses and their impact on recovery. A cohort of 53 patients aged 10–90 years, diagnosed with SSNHL at São Paulo Hospital from March 2020 to February 2024, was evaluated. Patients underwent audiological tests, MRI, and viral PCR and serological tests for HSV, VZV, CMV, syphilis, and SARS-CoV-2.

Results: The study found that 56.6% of patients were male, with the most affected age group being 40–49 years. 90.57% had unilateral SSNHL, with common symptoms including tinnitus (90.57%) and vertigo (52.83%). Regarding viral infections, 56.60% had none, 32.07% had one virus, and 11.32% had two viruses, totaling 43.3% with viral infections. Specifically, 26.42% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 22.64% for HSV, 5.56% for CMV, and 13.21% for syphilis. Recovery rates were 76.67% for those without viral infections, 70.59% for those with one virus, and no recovery for those with multiple infections. Unilateral SSNHL had better recovery outcomes compared to bilateral cases, with severe hearing loss linked to a poorer prognosis.

Conclusions: In conclusion, herpesviruses and syphilis may be significant contributors to SSNHL, with multiple infections correlating to worse outcomes. Comprehensive viral testing is crucial for treatment strategies.