Hearing Loss in Lassa Fever: Two Case Reports
Author Information
Author(s): Okokhere Peter O, Ibekwe Titus S, Akpede George O
Primary Institution: Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria
Hypothesis
Can Lassa fever lead to sensorineural hearing loss during both acute and convalescent stages?
Conclusion
Sensorineural hearing loss from Lassa fever infections can occur in both acute and convalescent stages and is probably induced by an immune response.
Supporting Evidence
- Both patients developed severe sensorineural hearing loss during the acute phases of their Lassa fever infections.
- One patient continued to experience significant hearing impairment four years after the infection.
- The other patient communicated through sign language due to her hearing loss.
Takeaway
Lassa fever can make people lose their hearing, and this can happen while they are sick or after they start to feel better.
Methodology
Case reports of two female patients with confirmed Lassa fever and sensorineural hearing loss.
Limitations
Only two cases were reported, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Two female patients aged 19 and 48 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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