It’s been more than one and a half year as the pandemic continues to affect our physical and emotional health in different ways. The COVID-19 virus has been linked to several long-term complications such as lung damage, heart damage and neurological disorders. Other than that, the mutant virus is also causing a host of new disorders such as hearing loss. According to the International Journal of Audiology, 7 to 15 per cent of adults affected with COVID-19 report audio-vestibular symptoms. The most common symptom happens to be tinnitus or ringing in the ears, followed by hearing loss and vertigo.

What do studies reveal?


The systematic review of research evidence carried out by scientists at the University of Manchester and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) revealed that auditory problems and hearing loss are associated with COVID-19 infection.

In another study scientists at the Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness (ManCAD) reviewed 7 studies that pointed to a link between hearing and balance, or audiovestibular problems and coronavirus infection.

Also, in a recent study conducted by researchers from the Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital and University College London in the UK, it was evident that COVID-19 may affect the hearing of some patients.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a condition that affects nearly seventeen per cent of all adults. Most people diagnosed with tinnitus suffer from hearing loss which indicates that there is a close link between the two. Research states that tinnitus is one of the most common symptoms of long-COVID which can last for months after COVID infection. Psychological or emotional triggers, especially factors like poor quality sleep, loneliness, depression, and anxiety have been aggravated during this recent pandemic. These factors may also play a critical role in worsening tinnitus. Some studies have shown that symptoms of patients with pre-existing tinnitus got worse during the pandemic, regardless of their COVID-19 status.

Hearing Loss and Dizziness

Hearing loss or difficulty have been reported across a wide group resulting from COVID-19. There are numerous case reports of sudden hearing loss in one ear, often accompanied by tinnitus. Every year, unforeseen hearing loss occurs in around 20 people out of 100,000. The condition is treated with steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation in the inner ear. But the treatment only tends to work if it is immediately started after the hearing loss occurs.

The inner ear is responsible for both balance and hearing. If the nerves and tissues in this part of the ear are damaged it can cause vertigo and hearing issues. Also, the antibodies produced by the body attack the antigen (COVID virus is mainly present in the ENT area) and in turn, can damage the cochlear nerve.

Another symptom of COVID-19 that is commonly reported is dizziness. It can be quite difficult to distinguish this from rotatory vertigo that is characteristic of damage to the balance system in the inner ear. However, the best estimate is that rotatory vertigo happens in around 11% of COVID-19 cases. A person may feel like going off balance, spinning and feeling a need to vomit and experience acute nausea. Dizziness and vertigo can also occur if there is inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is responsible to send information to the brain about coordination and balance.

The bottom-line


As our knowledge of the audio-vestibular system continues to evolve alongside the understanding of COVID-19, our ability to treat these symptoms will gain deeper traction in the years to come. As we continue to live with this virus, we will be better able to mitigate the negative consequences like hearing loss over time. If there is a sudden change to hearing loss, it’s really important to have it assessed correctly —quickly — because there is a window to potentially improve it.

The article has been authored by Prof. Dr. Yogesh Dabholkar (MS ENT) Gurukrupa ENT Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Medical Consultant –ENTOD Pharmaceuticals