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.

COVID-19 can evolve into a nervous system infection. The direct and indirect mechanisms of damage associated with SARS-CoV-2 neuropathogenesis could affect our sensory functionality, including hearing and balance.

Audio-vestibular consequences of COVID-19 are less reported compared to other symptoms of neurological involvement, such as gustatory or olfactory dysfunction, which have become key indicators aiding in the diagnosis of the infection. Among these disorders, the commonly reported presentation is that of vestibular neuronitis.

The very high prevalence of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus and its variants means that millions of people are currently at risk of having issues with dizziness following infection.