COVID-19 and hearing loss

We are well and truly into the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic now, and with that comes more data on its effects, especially in the long term.

More and more people are reporting hearing difficulties after contracting the virus, with symptoms ranging from hearing loss to tinnitus.

So what’s causing it and what can we do about it?

The figures

While not a common side-effect of the virus, it’s now becoming apparent that ear issues are manifesting in people who caught COVID-19.

What’s strange is, the previous versions of Coronavirus – SARS and MERS for example – had no reported effect on hearing.

With this version, it does appear that hearing issues seem to begin after recovery, with tinnitus the main symptom.

Around 15% of people report a ringing in their ears, with 7% complaining of hearing loss.

Dizziness and vertigo also seem to be an issue affecting approximately 1-in-14 people.

What could be causing it?

Viral and bacterial infections have been known to cause hearing loss, but COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs.

If it somehow spread up into the ear canal it might of course do some damage, but with such a significant percentage of people reporting these side-effects, it seems unlikely that this is just a coincidence.

Sudden hearing loss may be a result of cochlear ischemia or hypoxia, due to the cardiovascular abnormalities associated with COVID-19, or it might even be the body’s own immune system which is doing the damage, triggered by the virus itself.

Many of the treatments are well known for possible side-effects, such as hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin.

What to do about it

Unfortunately, at this early point, there’s not much we can do about it.

More research is needed before we fully understand how COVID-19 affects hearing and balance.

As the pandemic winds down and research shifts to long-term effects, we’ll likely begin to learn more.

In the meantime, if you do experience hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo, please contact your doctor or a medical professional.

And, as always, wear a facemask and wash your hands!