05/19/2026
HOW VIRUSES CAN CAUSE SUDDEN HEARING LOSS
Sudden hearing loss is a reduction in hearing of at least 30 decibels over a short period of time (from a few minutes to a few days). A 30-decibel reduction in sound will make a normal-level conversation sound like a whisper, so it is noticeable. There are many causes of sudden hearing loss, some of which can affect your permanent hearing. One that often slips under the radar is the link between certain viruses and sudden hearing loss. The exact cause is not understood, but it’s thought that certain viruses can trigger an abnormal immune response that causes inflammation within the cochlea and disrupts the transmission of sound waves. Viruses like herpes simplex, measles, influenza, and Covid-19 are common culprits.
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P.S. In rare cases, the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella can cause temporary, sudden hearing loss as a side effect, as hearing loss is a well-known measles complication.