Mumps and hearing loss It only lasts for a couple of weeks, but the effects of having a case of the mumps can be long-lasting – especially for your hearing health. The viral infection is known for painful, swollen glands in the throat and can also permanently damage your hearing. What are mumps? Mumps and hearing loss The mumps, which got its name from an Old English word meaning grimace, is a viral infection which spreads easily from person to person through infected saliva, typically when a person coughs or sneezes. Besides hearing loss, the mumps can cause inflammation and swelling in other parts of the body including the testicles, pancreas, ovaries and breasts, brain (encephalitis), and membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Symptoms include: Swollen, painful salivary glands on one or both sides of the face Pain while chewing or swallowing Fever Headache Muscle aches Weakness and fatigue Loss of appetite The mumps is known as a childhood disease so parents are advised to immunize their children against the disease at 12-15 months, with a booster at 4-6 years of age. The mumps vaccine is commonly administered together with measles and rubella and is known as the MMR vaccine. Medical professionals believe this vaccine provides 80 percent long-term immunity against the diseases, yet outbreaks still occur – mostly due to lack of vaccination. Adults born before 1957 who haven't yet contracted the mumps should consult their family doctor about receiving an immunization, especially if they work...