Emerging research

It has been well established that viral infections like measles, mumps and meningitis can sometimes cause hearing loss. However, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 is a newer virus that has yet to be as thoroughly examined as other viruses we know. That is starting to change. A study on the effects of Covid-19 on audio-vestibular symptoms has emerged from The University of Manchester and Manchester BRC Hearing Health in the United Kingdom. Published in the International Journal of Audiology, the peer-reviewed study examines existing research evidence to determine if there is possibly a link between patients diagnosed with Covid-19 and tinnitus, vertigo and hearing loss symptoms.

What comes next?

The researchers are quick to point out that while their study does establish associations between Covid-19, tinnitus, vertigo and hearing loss, it does not establish causation.[ii] They point out that that these audio-vestibular symptoms could be caused by other factors such as treatments to deliver immediate care. This means that while researchers have been able to establish a connection between Covid-19 patients and their experiences of tinnitus, vertigo and hearing loss, it still remains unclear as to whether Covid-19 is the root cause of these problems.

Further research will likely clarify the relationship between Covid-19 and the symptoms of hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo. For the time being, however, we know that there is a possible link and the subject requires further investigation.

Tinnitus symptoms and warning signs

Tinnitus is the sensation of perceiving sound when there is no external source for it. Often, that manifests as a sustained ringing in the ears that won’t go away. Some people report the sound as seeming more like a roaring, humming or buzzing. Regardless of how it sounds to you, the common underlying factor is that you are hearing sounds when you shouldn’t be.

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of tinnitus, especially if you have been exposed to Covid-19, you should book an appointment with a hearing specialist as soon as possible. Miracle-Ear’s hearing specialists will help you understand your condition and will work with you to formulate a tinnitus treatment plan. The sooner you book an appointment, the sooner we can figure out how to help improve your overall quality of life.