According to a systematic review, there is increasing evidence to suggest that hearing loss and other hearing problems are strongly associated with COVID-19 infection.
At least one clinical study is ongoing, but using data from 24 completed studies based mostly on self-reported questionnaires or medical records, researchers from the University of Manchester and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Researcher Center found that up to 7.6 % of COVID-19 patients had hearing loss, 14.8% complained of tinnitus and 7.2% reported vertigo.
In their review, published in the International Journal of Audiology, researchers said the data calls for more focused studies comparing COVID-19 cases to controls, “such as patients admitted to the hospital with other health conditions.”
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“While there should be caution, we hope this study will increase the weight of scientific evidence that there is a strong link between COVID-19 and hearing problems,” Ibrahim Almufarrij of the University of Manchester told EurekAlert.org.
Another researcher involved in the review said many patients emailed COVID-19 to complain about hearing problems, emphasizing the “urgent need” for diagnostic study.
“Over the past few months, I have received numerous emails from people who have reported a change in their hearing, or tinnitus, after having COVID-19,” said Kevin Munro, professor of audiology at the University of Manchester. said leading the ongoing study of the entire year. . “Although worrying, caution is needed as it is unclear whether hearing changes are directly attributed to COVID-19 or to other factors, such as treatments to provide urgent care.”
The calls coincide with the increasing urgency to study the symptoms and effects of long-COVID, or symptoms that do not go away once the infection has disappeared.
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According to the National Institute for Deafness and Other Communications Disorders (NIDCD), tinnitus is commonly described as lazy ears, but can also be described as roaring, clicking, hissing or buzzing. It can be soft or hard, high or low, and it can be in one or both ears.
A researcher involved in the review said many patients emailed COVID-19 to complain about hearing problems, emphasizing the “urgent need” for diagnostic study.
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Tinnitus usually occurs when something goes wrong with the auditory system, which can range from a piece of lubrication that blocks the ear canal to something serious such as hearing loss due to noise, ear and sinus infections, diseases of the heart or blood vessels, brain tumors, hormonal changes among others in women or thyroid disorders.
It can also be a side effect of certain medications.
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The family of Kent Taylor, founder and CEO of restaurant chain Texas Roadhouse, said Sunday that he took his own life after suffering from symptoms associated with COVID-19, including severe tinnitus.
Taylor recently pledged to fund a clinical trial to help military members suffering from tinnitus. According to the NIDCD, service members exposed to bomb blasts can develop tinnitus if the shock wave from the blast hits the skull and damages brain tissue in areas that help process sound.
For some people, it can be a source of mental and emotional distress, as it may not go away for a period of time.
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“Kent has fought and fought hard like the former track champion he was, but the suffering that has increased sharply in recent days is becoming unbearable,” the statement read.
Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).