Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder; a Rare Sequela of Typhoid Fever

Balan JR and Jaisinghani P

Published on: 2021-12-24

Abstract

Typhoid fever is a bacterial disease caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. Neurologic manifestations such as meningitis, encephalitis spasticity, acute neuropsychiatric illness, ataxia, aphasia, and cerebritis are also associated with this disease. Occurrence of polyneuropathy conditions such as Guillain Barre Syndrome was also reported as a sequela of typhoid fever. Apart from the above-mentioned neurologic manifestations, ANSD was noted in three patients associated with typhoid fever, which is being highlighted in the study. A single case study is being reported in the present study. All three of them reported to our clinic with the complaints of reduced hearing sensitivity in both ears, blocking sensation and poor speech understanding in the group conversation. The onset of the problem was reported to be gradual after the occurrence of Typhoid within the duration of 1-3 years. The presence of Typhoid was confirmed based on laboratory testing of blood and/or stool culture by certified Physicians. Since all the three patients reported problems in speech understanding, speech perception in noise was also carried out along with routine audiological evaluations. Otoacoustic emissions were administered to check the status of outer hair cells. Auditory brainstem response for the site of lesion testing was also carried out to rule out the presence of any space-occupying lesion. Late latency responses were also administered to check the cortical response. Considering the neurological reports and the audiological evaluations, all three patients were diagnosed as ANSD by a certified Audiologist.