The COVID-19 pandemic has upended society, but the phenomenon known as “long COVID” has been linked with tinnitus and hearing loss.
The link between ears ringing and COVID is not yet fully understood, but some sufferers of the disease have reported worsening tinnitus symptoms. Research already supports this and has even shown COVID to be a potential trigger for the condition.
Here’s what you need to know about tinnitus, hearing loss, and COVID.
Early research has shown that what many people refer to as “COVID ears” is something to be taken seriously. Some people have even reported COVID-19 hearing loss, but scientists know even less about this.
As more opportunities arise for comprehensive research into the effects of acute and long COVID, healthcare systems around the world can provide better auditory treatments for their patients.
So, can COVID-19 affect your ears?
Tinnitus is a common hearing problem affecting 15-20% of the population. The condition is more common in older adults.
The causes of tinnitus vary, but the most prevalent causes are serious ear infections, exposure to loud noises, and trauma.
The Delta variant of COVID-19 is more severe than the original version of the virus, as well as all previous variants. For those who have reported COVID and ear pressure, it would lend itself to being a trigger for tinnitus.
So far, the ears ringing and COVID connection is mainly anecdotal, and scientists still don’t know the full story.
COVID ear symptoms do include a ringing in the ears, which points to tinnitus. The largest study thus far was conducted by Anglia Ruskin University in the U.K., alongside the American and British Tinnitus Associations.
While the majority of the 3,103 participants came from the U.S. and the U.K., 48 countries were represented in total.
The results of the study revealed that 40% of participants said their ear ringing from COVID worsened. Most of the participants already had tinnitus, but some who didn’t have the condition said that COVID served as a trigger for it.
Interestingly, the new study said that a large proportion of the people studied said that they believed lockdown measures and social distancing helped to worsen their COVID ear symptoms.
This lack of exposure to regular noise may have made their tinnitus symptoms more pronounced. Also, the lack of access to regular healthcare has meant many people have been unable to have their symptoms treated.
For example, those who were previously attending sound therapy sessions had their appointments canceled.
So, COVID symptoms and ear problems do have a link, and more research needs to be carried out into this link, especially when it comes to long COVID.
If ear ringing and COVID are linked, this leads to the worry that the virus could even lead to total hearing loss.
So far, published case reports reveal that sudden hearing loss is not a symptom of coronavirus onset. However, some rare cases merit further investigation. The problem with COVID and clogged ears or hearing loss is there’s a serious lack of research into the issue.
There are just two reports on COVID-19 patients and sudden hearing loss.
One June 2020 report focused on a few Iranian COVID patients that suffered hearing loss in one ear, alongside vertigo. Vertigo is a condition scientists have already confirmed as a rare symptom of acute and long COVID.
The second study investigated COVID-19 and sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The patient reported sudden hearing loss with no coronavirus symptoms yet would later test positive in hospital.
Beyond these two studies, nothing comprehensive has been published by researchers. More than 18 months into the pandemic, it appears that sudden hearing loss is not a major complication of the COVID-19 virus or any of its variants.
While sudden onset hearing loss has little connection to the pandemic, based on current evidence, what is a little more common is developing hearing loss and tinnitus during the infection process.
There are more causes of COVID-19 patients suffering from hearing problems in the days and weeks after experiencing their initial symptoms.
One February 2021 review into auditory complications found the following:
The review didn’t go into the seriousness of this hearing loss or whether the issue resolved itself. Some viruses can and do lead to balance issues, such as dizziness and temporary hearing loss.
This plays into what researchers have said about COVID-19 and auditory complications, which is that not enough research has been carried out into the issue.
There’s no evidence to show that the virus attacks and causes lasting damage to the auditory nerve. Instead, scientists are investigating the link between many of the anti-viral drugs used to treat seriously ill COVID-19 patients.
Tinnitus and hearing loss can all be caused and worsened by exposure to specific drugs. Some medications carry a relatively high risk of ringing ears, hearing loss, as well as vertigo, and dizziness.
Some of these drugs include quinine, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine. These are now widely used around the world, and someone who already has issues with tinnitus and hearing loss may see their conditions becoming more severe as a result.
Unfortunately, since these drugs are usually prescribed to COVID patients who have a relatively high risk of death, there’s no real alternative to using them.
Currently, scientists aren’t sure whether the virus or its treatment causes the hearing disorders relating to COVID; there’s no firm answer on whether these symptoms are temporary. Little is known about long COVID, and only as the pandemic begins to subside can more research be carried out.
For those who have seen their hearing worsen or have seen new hearing disorders arise, is there anything that can be done?
Hearing loss itself can rarely be treated because there’s no way of growing the sensitive cells. The only way is to improve symptoms, which can be done through a state-of-the-art hearing aid.
Modern hearing aids are discrete, simple to wear, and affordable. There are hearing aids designed for those with mild to profound hearing loss. In the 2020s, there are options for helping people to get through the trauma of hearing loss.
Some hearing aids even come with tinnitus masking features, which use in-ear sound therapy to counteract tinnitus-related sounds, whether it’s ringing, clicking, chirping, or hissing.
It’s important to seek treatment for your hearing loss or tinnitus immediately before the condition worsens. Even mild hearing problems can be rectified with an advanced hearing aid.
Ears ringing and COVID is an issue that’s poorly understood. Limited research has formed a link, but little is known as to why and whether the triggering/worsening of symptoms is permanent.
If you’re having trouble with your hearing, it’s time to seek help and begin your journey to better hearing. EarPros has supported thousands of people in achieving a superior listening experience.
To schedule your free consultation with a licensed hearing professional, contact EarPros today. We can help you find the best hearing aids for your specific needs.
