“About 15% of COVID-19 patients developed persistent tinnitus symptoms.
Among those already suffering from tinnitus, 40% experienced a worsening of their symptoms after contracting COVID-19.”
A third of former COVID-19 patients reported tinnitus after infection.
As tinnitus severity increased, the chances of natural recovery decreased.
Severe tinnitus was strongly associated with long-term hearing loss, anxiety, and emotional disorders.
“Study finds the SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect the inner ear The prevalence of auditory symptoms in Covid-19 patients is unknown, but infection of the inner ears may be responsible for hearing and balance problems.”
“Covid 19 and The Ears - Direct Viral Invasion of Inner Ear Cells
The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences and illness, with emerging evidence suggesting that the virus can also affect the auditory system and cause hearing-related complications. This article explores the potential impact of COVID-19 on hearing, tinnitus, and balance disorders.
“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
“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.'”
"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.
