Hearing loss in acute respiratory infections

Upper airway inflammatory diseases account for about 90% of all infectious diseases and are the most common causes of patients’ visits to the otorhinolaryngologists, pediatricians and general practitioners. Acute otitis media and rhinosinusitis are considered the most common complications of acute respiratory infections. Auditory disorders often occur during respiratory infections, which may be directly caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction, acute otitis media and acute sensorineural hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a type of diminished hearing (up to loss), which affects any of the parts of the soundperceiving apparatus of the auditory analyser, ranging from the neuroepithelial structures of the inner ear to the cortical representation in the temporal lobe of the cerebral cortex. It is extremely important to timely detect sensorineural hearing loss and immediately start therapeutic measures, especially in children, since de-socialization occurs much faster in this age group.