We are now adapting to a new way of living alongside this virus which regularly appears with new strains.
However, the novel coronavirus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has been reported as having a negative effect on hearing sensitivity (Mustafa 2020).
Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust surveyed 138 individuals who had been admitted as inpatients due to COVID-19 infections.
13.2% of patients reported a change in hearing and/or tinnitus since being diagnosed with COVID-19.
And just over 5% of those patients reported developing tinnitus after being infected with COVID-19 (Munro et al 2020). Other authors have also reported that the anxiety associated with the impact of COVID-19 may contribute to the elevation in tinnitus awareness (Xia et al 2020).
We do know that an increased stress level heightens tinnitus awareness. But the impact of the COVID-19 virus was a new finding, and potentially one which has lifelong implications for thousands of people.
However, there will be further scientific studies needed to provide us with the full evidence to know for certain that COVID-19 does cause tinnitus. Whether on its own, or with, hearing loss in some people.
If you have experienced tinnitus after a Covid infection, whether during the pandemic or recently, come in for an assessment.
There are treatment available to reduce the impact of your symptoms.
Treatment devices and therapies for tinnitus relief from our clinic
At The Tinnitus & Hearing Clinic, we have significant experience in helping patients manage and reduce their tinnitus awareness. Whether COVID-related or not, we provide a comprehensive audiological and tinnitus assessment to determine which is the most suitable therapy methods to reduce the impact of your symptoms.
Refs:
Munro KJ, Uus K, Almufarrij I, Chaudhuri N, Yioe V. Persistent self-reported changes in hearing and tinnitus in post-hospitalisation COVID-19 cases. Munro KJ, Uus K, Almufarrij I, Chaudhuri N, Yioe V.
Mustafa MWM. Audiological profile of asymptomatic Covid-19 PCR-positive cases. Am J Otolaryngol. 2020 May-Jun;41(3):102483. doi: 10.1016
Xia L, Wang J, Chuan D, Fan J, Chen Z. COVID 19 associated anxiety enhances tinnitus. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.07.02.20145532
Request an information pack
Director's Blog
An important part of my mission at The Tinnitus & Hearing Clinic is to share our knowledge of tinnitus; its causes, how to prevent it and what to do if you are suffering from the condition. This blog will go some way in achieving this aim.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.