“New research finds that cells in the ear are susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2, causing symptoms that include dizziness, ear ringing, and hearing loss.
Experts say that other viruses may also cause hearing loss, and newborns can be especially at risk.”
ear abnormalities common in conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and #LongCOVID.
Hearing loss and tinnitus were frequent
SARS2 infection of the inner ear may cause hearing and balance issues.
Human inner ear tissue expresses ACE2, TMPRSS2, and FURIN - all necessary for SARS2 virus entry.
Microscopy confirms the infection of hair cells and Schwann cells by SARS2.
“Gibson developed acute hearing loss in one ear, along with vertigo and tinnitus, several weeks after experiencing a mild COVID-19 infection in 2022.”
COVID-19 linked to sudden hearing loss in woman: A case report
From 2022 "Explaining Covid ear, Dr Jha said, 'As per researchers, the inner tissue of the human ear contains proteins that are susceptible to attack by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Thus, our ear may also show signs in the form of loss of balance or tinnitus.'”
From 2021:
“This article provides very compelling evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infects the inner ear, and may be causally related to the hearing and balance symptoms in a number of patients with COVID-19 infection,”
"A more recent study suggested that tinnitus is a problem for more than a third of people who have long Covid.
The research, by King’s College London, was based on questioning thousands of people from 56 countries."
SARS-CoV-2 infection of the inner ear
SARS-CoV-2 can infect inner ear cells, specifically hair cells and Schwann cells, which are crucial for hearing and balance.
Some COVID-19 patients developed hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo, suggesting a link between the virus and these symptoms.
