Effects of COVID-19 on Hearing & Balance Health.

Recent studies from the UK show that hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness can be present in patients who have recovered from COVID-19. The virus can have a negative impact on the organs of hearing and balance causing long-term side effects. 

It is estimated that 13% of COVID-19 survivors who have been hospitalised had reduced hearing and/or tinnitus (noises in the ears) lasting for several weeks post discharge. The other common post-discharge reported symptoms of earaches, vertigo and dizziness last up to 8 weeks. 

Some patients presented with a sudden loss of hearing following recovery from COVID-19 and for some of them hearing loss became irreversible and permanent. 

There are several mechanisms by which COVID-19 may cause an impairment on the senses of hearing and balance by either affecting the peripheral organs or the nerves. 

The virus may lodge in the upper respiratory tract which is in close proximity to the ear. Antibodies or T-cells can also damage the ear if the body mischaracterises inner ear antigens as the virus. Vascular diseases commonly caused by COVID-19 may result in ischaemia or lack of oxygen to the inner ear causing hearing loss and dizziness. The virus can cause inflammation of the meninges (brain membranes) also resulting in hearing and balance loss. Furthermore, some drugs used in experimental treatments of COVID-19 also have the potential to cause damage due to their ototoxic (toxic to the ear) properties.

It has been estimated that the prevalence of a permanent loss of hearing in COVID-19 survivors is above 7% and the loss can affect one or both ears. Dizziness and vertigo are also reported in around 3-7% of this cohort. The prevalence of tinnitus on the other hand has been estimated to be as high as 60% by some studies. 

Although several factors may affect these figures, such as fear and anxiety increasing the perception of tinnitus and dizziness, it has been confirmed that the virus has the potential to affect the senses of hearing and balance in those who contract the disease. 

These findings are also important to those already affected by hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness and vertigo, as contracting the new disease may exacerbate these symptoms. 

It is not yet clear whether side effects of the vaccines may also have an impact on hearing and balance but at this stage that may be a risk worth taking.