“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.”
“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.
8-30% of people with COVID-19 report spinning vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, and gait disturbance, sometimes with tinnitus or hearing loss.
COVID-19, like other lung infections, may cause labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis, leading to these symptoms.
“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.”
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,”
