Hearing and the Ever-Changing World of COVID-19

One thing we have all became accustomed to since COVID-19 started is the ever changing feed of information. COVCID-19 and its effects on hearing are not different. Though many of us feel things keep changing, and they do, it is because we are continuing to learn more about the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus.

Early on there was not enough documentation to confirm nor deny that COVID was affecting hearing in those infected with the virus. As studies are being release, we are learning many people are experiencing effects to their auditory system. These effects are showing with multiple types of complaints such as brain fog, sudden hearing loss, hearing loss in one ear, tinnitus or more severe tinnitus, increased difficulty hearing, dizziness, and vertigo. Of patients that require hospitalization for COVID-19 treatment; 13% reported a change in hearing and/or tinnitus that lasted weeks after discharge.**

Brain fog seems to be a common aftereffect from COVID-19. These issues seem to differ from person to person. Some reporting 3 weeks to longer especially for people diagnosed with long haulers. For COVID-19 recovered patients these symptoms may be part of a central processing disorder.

Hearing loss, another side effect left for survivors of COVID can be in different forms. We have patients report with sudden hearing loss. These patients need to seek immediate medical intervention form their doctor or an ENT. The faster they receive treatment the better their outcome of treatment. Other people present with hearing difficulties after COVID and a hearing test reveals they suffer from a sensorineural hearing loss. These patients will likely notice the hearing change at the peak of their COVID infection or on the downward slope. There are reports though of hearing loss occurring within 4 weeks of infection. Hearing loss associated with COVID is possibly due to the blood -labyrinth barrier being damaged or destroyed.*

Tinnitus during or after COVID is reported by survivors but in general these reports have been secondary to hearing loss. This area continues to be researched for more information to benefit these patients.

If you are unfortunate enough to be left suffering with dizziness or vertigo medical treatment should be sought. Most patients suffering with these effects are reporting the dizziness or vertigo can last up to 8 weeks.**

As a survivor of COVID-19 if you feel your hearing has changed. It’s time to have an audiogram completed. This process is painless but could bring you better quality of life. Call our office to schedule an audiogram and we will guide you towards medical assistance and/or better hearing.

* The Hearing Review, Sept 2021, COVID-19 and the Hearing Professional: What We Know So Far, by Robert M. Disogra, AuD

** The Hearing Review, Sept 2021, COVID-19 and its possible Impact on the Audiovestibular System; Matthew Kelley, AuD and Sugara Bhattacharjee, AuD