Atypical Presentation of Viral Pneumonia (H1N1) as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Case Report

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is subjective sensation of hearing impairment in a period of 72 hours or less ,of about larger than 30dB in atleast three consecutive frequencies.. Incidence is 5-30 per lakh. Majority are idiopathic and unilateral. Idiopathic SSNHL is mostly due to viral infections like mumps,measles and influenza. Other causes include vascular occlusion, intracochlear membrane rupture and autoimmune inner ear disease. Treatment incudes steroid administration either systemic or intratympanic, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and others like vasodilators, antivirals, calcium antagonists. Recovery is spontaneous in most cases .