The researchers say there is growing evidence to suggest that hearing loss and other hearing problems are strongly associated with COVID-19 infection, according to a systematic review.
At least one clinical study is ongoing, but using data from 24 completed studies that were based primarily on self-reported questionnaires or medical records, researchers at the University of Manchester and the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Researcher Center found that up to 7.6% of patients with COVID-19 they suffered from hearing loss, 14.8% complained of tinnitus and 7.2% reported vertigo.
In their review, published in the International Journal of Audiology, the researchers said the data call for more focused studies comparing COVID-19 cases with controls, “like inpatients in hospitals with other health conditions.”
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“While care needs to be taken, we hope that this study will increase the weight of scientific evidence that there is a strong association between COVID-19 and hearing problems,” said Ibrahim Almufarrij of the University of Manchester, according to EurekAlert.org.
Another researcher involved in the review said that many patients have been sending emails to complain about hearing problems after COVID-19, underscoring the “urgent need” for a diagnostic study.
“In the past few months, I received several emails from people who reported a change in their hearing or tinnitus after they had COVID-19,” said Kevin Munro, a professor of audiology at the University of Manchester who is leading the study for a year now. “Although this is alarming, caution is necessary, as it is not clear whether changes in hearing are directly attributed to COVID-19 or other factors, such as treatments to provide emergency care.”
The calls coincide with the growing urgency to study the symptoms and effects of long COVID, or symptoms that do not go away when the infection is cured.
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Tinnitus, according to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), is commonly described as ringing in the ears, but it can also be described as a roar, click, hiss or tinnitus. It can be soft or loud, high or low, and it can be in one or both ears.
A researcher involved in the review said that many patients have been e-mailing to complain about hearing problems after COVID-19, underscoring the “urgent need” for a diagnostic study.
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Tinnitus usually occurs when something goes wrong with the hearing system, which can range from a piece of wax blocking the ear canal to something more serious, such as noise-induced hearing loss, ear and sinus infections, heart disease or blood vessels, brain tumors, hormonal changes in women or thyroid abnormalities, among others.
It can also be a side effect of certain medications.
KENT TAYLOR, 65, FOUNDER OF TEXAS ROADHOUSE, STAYS AWAY AFTER THE BATTLE WITH THE LOVELY SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
On Sunday, the family of Kent Taylor, founder and CEO of the Texas Roadhouse restaurant chain, said he committed suicide after suffering from symptoms related to COVID-19, including severe tinnitus.
Taylor recently pledged to fund a clinical study to help military personnel suffering from tinnitus. According to the NIDCD, military personnel exposed to bomb explosions can develop tinnitus if the shock wave from the explosion compresses the skull and damages brain tissue in areas that help process the sound.
For some, it can be a source of mental and emotional distress as it can take some time.
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“Kent fought and fought a lot like the former track champion he was, but the suffering that has intensified in recent days has become unbearable,” the statement said.
Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).