COVID-19 and hearing loss
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted millions of people worldwide since its outbreak in early 2020. As the virus continues to spread, research is starting to uncover new ways in which it is affecting our bodies, including our hearing. In this article, we will explore the relationship between COVID-19 and hearing loss and tinnitus and what this means for those who have been affected by the virus.
The link between COVID-19, hearing loss and tinnitus is still being studied and is not yet fully understood. However, there have been reports of individuals experiencing temporary or permanent hearing loss following a COVID-19 infection which can also lead to tinnitus. It is believed that the virus may cause inflammation and damage to the inner ear, which can lead to hearing loss. In some cases, this damage may be temporary and may improve with time, while in other cases it may be permanent.
Diagnosing changes in the hearing system related to COVID-19 can be difficult as it can occur suddenly and can sometimes resolve on its own. However, if you have recently had a COVID-19 infection and are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should seek the advice of an experienced Audiologist:
Hearing loss or muffled hearing in one or both ears
A feeling of fullness of blocked sensation in one or both ears
Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
Dizziness or balance problems
It is important to note that hearing loss and tinnitus related to COVID-19 can occur in people of all ages and can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the hearing loss or tinnitus may be temporary, while in others it may be permanent.
At present, there is no specific treatment for hearing loss related to COVID-19. If you are experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus or other symptoms, your Audiologist will conduct a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a management plan tailored to your individual needs. A referral for a sudden hearing loss will often require a referral to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for further evaluation. An ENT or your GP can prescribe medication to help recover hearing loss and resolve other symptoms like tinnitus.
In some cases, an ENT may refer you for additional testing, such as a CT scan or MRI, to determine the extent of any damage to your inner ear and determine further causes. This information will be critical in helping your ENT and Audiologist to develop the most effective management plan for you.
In cases where the hearing loss and tinnitus is permanent, your Audiologist may recommend a range of options, including hearing devices and other assistive hearing devices. They may also recommend rehabilitation and therapy services to help you adjust to your new hearing status and improve your quality of life.
If you are experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus or other symptoms related to COVID-19 and do not seek treatment, your symptoms may persist and may even worsen over time. This can lead to a decline in your overall quality of life and can also have a negative impact on your ability to work, communicate with others, and engage in daily activities.
In addition, untreated hearing loss and tinnitus can lead to social isolation, stress, anxiety and depression, and other general health problems. It is therefore important to seek treatment as soon as possible to minimize the impact of your symptoms on your quality of life.
The relationship between COVID-19 and hearing loss is still being researched. If you believe your hearing loss or tinnitus might be related to COVID-19, please ensure you discuss this with your Audiologist so they can manage these changes for you.
Related reading
References
Beukes, E. W., Baguley, D. M., Jacquemin, L., Lourenco, M. P., Allen, P. M., Onozuka, J., ... & Manchaiah, V. (2020). Changes in tinnitus experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in public health, 681.
Cure, E., & Cure, M. C. (2020). Comment on “Hearing loss and COVID-19: A note”. American journal of otolaryngology, 41(4), 102513.
Jafari, Z., Kolb, B. E., & Mohajerani, M. H. (2022). Hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness in COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences, 49(2), 184-195.
