Influenza A (H1N1): a rare cause of deafness in two children

Abstract

Objective: We report deafness occurring as an extremely rare complication of influenza A caused by the H1N1 virus ('swine flu'), in two children.

Methods: Case reports and review of the literature concerning influenza A (H1N1) and acquired viral infection causing deafness.

Results: Two children with normal hearing developed bilateral deafness following influenza A (H1N1). The diagnosis was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction. Both patients were treated with oseltamivir.

Conclusion: Following a review of the literature, these two patients appear to be the first reported cases of bilateral deafness following influenza A (H1N1).