Hearing Loss in Lassa Fever: A Systematic Review

Chime, Ethel Nkechi and Chime, Peter Ekpunobi and Nwosu, Jones Ndubuisi (2022) Hearing Loss in Lassa Fever: A Systematic Review. Open Journal of Preventive Medicine, 12 (11). pp. 239-247. ISSN 2162-2477

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Abstract

Background: Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever associated with several complications which include hearing loss. Hearing loss in Lassa fever may become residual with its negative impact on the quality of life. Purpose: This paper is a review of various studies on Lassa fever related hearing loss. Methods: Systematic literature review was done on articles on Lassa fever patients and Lassa fever survivors. Relevant articles published in English between 1969 and 2021 were searched for using Google Scholar and PubMed databases. Eight studies which met the inclusion criteria were finally selected and included in the review. The variables of interest were extracted from the full-text articles. Results: Lassa fever related hearing loss occurs in both sexes and in all age groups. The incidence of self-reported hearing loss ranged from 12.5% to 30% with a mean of 17.6%. The incidence of audiometrically determined sensorineural hearing loss ranged from 13.5% to 29% with a mean of 22.1%. Hearing loss persisted in 64% of those that were followed up. Cases of hearing loss varied in severity, ranging from mild to profound. No successful specific treatment for Lassa fever related hearing loss was reported apart from hearing rehabilitation. Conclusion: Hearing loss among Lassa fever patients remains a major challenge. Lack of effective treatment for Lassa fever related hearing loss is a serious gap in the management of Lassa fever patients which should be addressed in future research.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: STM Digital Library > Medical Science
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email support@stmdigitallib.com
Date Deposited: 13 Feb 2023 11:37
Last Modified: 05 Jul 2024 08:05
URI: http://archive.scholarstm.com/id/eprint/400

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