ABSTRACT
The Zika virus is transmitted between humans by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and has become a public health emergency, as declared by the World Health Organization. Studies have reported the virus to be associated with hearing alterations in patients, following infection. This study was conceived in view of the importance of hearing for communication, associated with the limited number of reports on the impact of Zika virus on the hearing system of adults. The aim of the study was to characterize the otological findings in two adult patients, following infection with the Zika virus. The otological findings observed in two outpatients of an otorhinolaryngology service were described, both of whom reported hearing complaints immediately following the clinical symptoms of Zika virus infection. Both adult patients reported the following symptoms: discomfort, skin rash, joint pain, auricular fullness, and hearing loss. Serologic testing (IgG) for Zika virus was performed. The audiological findings were unilateral peripheral hearing loss in one of the patients, alterations in contralateral acoustic reflexes in both patients, and alteration in the brainstem auditory-evoked potential in one patient. The audiological findings demonstrate possible neuronal involvement in the manifested complaints, whether or not associated with the peripheral component, in patients infected with Zika virus.
Zika virus; Hearing loss; Diagnostic techniques, Otological; Hearing; Zika virus infection
