TürkçeAn increase in cases of hearing loss and vertigo was observed during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is thought that the virus may have adverse effects on the nervous system and inner ear. These findings are still being investigated.
Sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders have been reported in some patients who had Covid-19. These symptoms may continue for weeks after the infection.
The virus causing clotting in the blood vessels of the inner ear, damaging nerve cells, and triggering an immune response are considered among the possible mechanisms. Therefore, hearing and balance problems are associated with Covid-19.
Early diagnosis is important during the treatment process. Individuals experiencing hearing loss should undergo an audiological evaluation without delay, while those with vertigo complaints should be referred to vestibular rehabilitation programs.
IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COVID-19 AND TINNITUS?
Tinnitus is an unpleasant and highly common hearing problem in which an individual reports hearing disturbing sounds such as ringing, buzzing, or crackling. There are many risk factors that may cause tinnitus, ranging from hearing loss and sinus infections to hormonal changes and medications used.
In a report in which hearing-related symptoms after COVID-19 were systematically examined, it was reported that approximately 15% of patients had tinnitus. However, according to the authors of the study, this figure may be higher. Although it is thought that there may be a connection between COVID-19 and tinnitus, the issue is still under investigation. Tinnitus is thought to be an indirect consequence of Covid-19 infection.
During coronavirus infection, many factors such as the body’s response to the infection and the treatment methods applied are also thought to cause tinnitus. It should also not be overlooked that stress is a risk factor for tinnitus. The pandemic changed our lives in many ways, including the loss of loved ones, unemployment, financial difficulties, and stressful conditions. In general, people feel somewhat stressed and anxious while coping with the difficulties brought by the pandemic. In addition to all of these, if they do not sleep well during this period, they will frequently mention tinnitus complaints.
As a result, the relationship between COVID-19 and tinnitus is similar to the relationship between other viral infections and tinnitus. COVID-19 infection may further worsen symptoms in individuals with tinnitus. Studies have indicated that existing tinnitus became more severe in 40% of those who had COVID-19.
HEARING LOSS AND VESTIBULAR SYMPTOMS?
During the pandemic, auditory-vestibular symptoms associated with COVID-19 were investigated. There is evidence that individuals who have had COVID-19 may exhibit audio-vestibular symptoms. According to the available data, among individuals who had Covid-19:
- 7.6% reported hearing loss
- 14.8% reported tinnitus
- 7.2% reported dizziness (vertigo).
Research on COVID-19 and hearing loss shows that, although it appears to be rare in some people, the virus is associated with hearing loss.
If you need help with these issues…
- If you have tinnitus that developed or worsened after Covid-19;
- If you think you are experiencing hearing loss,
- If you have started having difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, you need an audiological evaluation.
Hearing Loss and Vaccines
According to research conducted at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, no connection was found between sudden hearing loss and vaccination. Although the researchers stated that their study was a preliminary analysis, the possible incidence rate they estimated showed that the rate of sudden hearing loss among vaccinated individuals was actually calculated to be much lower than among unvaccinated individuals.
In the current literature, there are 147 reports concerning unilateral or bilateral sudden hearing loss and hypoacusis associated with COVID vaccines, and this number is increasing every day. The available study data are highly reliable reports based on the professional experience of specialist audiologists and ear, nose, and throat physicians.
Although the researchers stated that “based on the results obtained so far, they believe that the COVID vaccine is not associated with sudden hearing loss,” they recommend that patients who experience symptoms of hearing loss after vaccination consult an audiologist without delay. You can access the study on the subject through the link.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is potentially treatable, but treatment effectiveness is time-sensitive.
Dr. Audiologist Emel Uğur was born in 1982 in Çanakkale. She specialized in Pediatric Audiology, Otologic Disorders, and Vestibular System Disorders, and served for 15 years at the Istanbul Training and Research Hospital. In 2015, she joined the Acıbadem Healthcare Group. She currently works as an Audiologist at the Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital and also serves as a faculty member and program director in the Acıbadem University Vocational School of Health Services Audiometry Program.
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