“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.”
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.”
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.