Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following Wasp Sting and Successful Treatment With Intratympanic Steroids. Issue 12 (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anyah, Anwuli; Visconti, Michael; Spoto, James
• Is Part Of: Clinical medicine insights. Issue 12(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss -- sting -- intratympanic steroids -- wasp -- V vulgaris; Clinical medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Medicine; Clinical medicine; Electronic journals; Case Reports; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; Case studies; Periodicals; 616.09
• DOI: 10.1177/1179547619865547
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1179-5476

Abstract

Objective: A sting by a Vespula vulgaris (wasp) should be considered as a cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Although the mechanism of this cause is not well understood, management approach is similar to idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: We describe a novel case of sudden sensorineural hearing loss encountered at a community otolaryngology clinic. It developed in a 26-year-old man after a sting to the ear canal by a V vulgaris (wasp) species. Results: The patient failed to respond to oral steroids, but had complete recovery to normal hearing levels with intratympanic steroids. Conclusions: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by the sting of a V vulgaris species and may be resolved with the use intratympanic steroids.