There\u2019s still much we don\u2019t know about COVID-19 or how the virus can affect several systems throughout the body. This includes the vestibular system, which can impact hearing and balance and contribute to disorders such as vertigo or tinnitus. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to review some of the lesser known, albeit still possible side effects of COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like many viruses COVID-19 has the potential to impact the ears and hearing. In the U.K., a survey of coronavirus patients<\/a> found that nearly 1 out of 10 COVID-19 patients reported some form of hearing loss weeks after recovery. Another case study from the Mayo Clinic describes a German man who experienced profound hearing loss after developing COVID-19 related pneumonia. There have also been a few studies that look at the relationship between COVID-19 and tinnitus and vertigo. A study published this November in the journal Frontiers in Public Health<\/em><\/a> found that 40% of people who had symptoms of COVID-19 also experienced a worsening of tinnitus symptoms. This data comes from more than 3,000 patients who self-reported changes to their hearing since the start of the pandemic. It\u2019s clear that there have been documented cases of abrupt changes in hearing for those infected with coronavirus. All viruses can cause change in the inner ear (labyrinthitis) or the hearing and\/or balance nerves (neuronitis). Hearing and balance loss have significant impact on the emotional health of individuals.
Another study<\/a> from the American Journal of Otolaryngology examined the before and after results of at least 20 people who tested positive for the coronavirus. Out of those individuals, the test results showed that even in asymptomatic cases, COVID-19 could have \u201cdeleterious effects\u201d on the small hairs that make the inner ear function.
Overall, it appears that there might be a correlation between new hearing loss and recovery from the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTinnitus and Vertigo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Another study in Iran<\/a>\u00a0from June looked at six Covid-19 patients with mild clinical symptoms of cough, fever, and trouble breathing. Each had no relevant records of medical or hearing concerns. Yet, after contracting Covid-19, their hearing suffered. Four had tinnitus (noise or ringing in ears), two had vertigo (hearing-related loss of balance) and all had mild-to-moderate hearing loss in one ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlay it Safe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you contracted COVID-19, we recommend getting a hearing evaluation once you\u2019ve fully recovered. That way any new hearing loss can be detected early \u2013 when it\u2019s easiest to treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n