In recent years, the global medical community has faced distinctive challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ongoing research and revelations regarding the virus and the associated illness have progressed steadily, encompassing a broadening understanding of symptoms experienced by infected individuals. Beyond the commonly known Covid-19 symptoms like fever, cough, and respiratory challenges, there have been documented effects on sensory functions, impacting aspects such as taste, smell, and even hearing. This article delves into the ear problems after Covid-19, shedding light on the most recent discoveries in this domain.
Experiencing blocked ears is a symptom that individuals may encounter during infection with Covid-19. This virus has the potential to trigger inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, impacting the middle ear via the Eustachian tube. This inflammatory response can result in stuffy nose and clogged ears along with sensations of pressure, or discomfort in either one or both ears. The heightened pressure within the ear is likely attributed to obstructed ear tubes resulting from the presence of the virus in the system. To delve into the scientific perspective, the blockage of the Eustachian tube, connecting the inner ear to the middle ear, can evoke sensations of fullness, pressure, and occasionally pain in the ear, accompanied by muffled hearing. Individuals might also experience a sensation of ears popping during Covid-19 infection and this is a direct consequence of congestion symptoms. It's important to note that these symptoms of ear congestion may also stem from issues within the middle ear or ear canal that impact the functionality of the eardrum.
If you're facing ear congestion due to Covid-19, there are various home remedies to alleviate symptoms, including:
Should these approaches prove ineffective, you can attempt the Valsalva maneuver:
Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough examination to explore potential factors beyond the virus, such as the accumulation of earwax, bacterial infections, or other medical conditions. If necessary, your doctor may refer you to an audiologist who will assess hearing loss through tests involving the presentation of sounds and words at different levels through earphones.
Treatment for viral-induced hearing loss typically involves the administration of steroids to reduce swelling. These steroids may be administered orally or injected into the ear.
Hearing loss that isn't promptly addressed with steroids or doesn't respond to this treatment is likely to be permanent. In such cases, healthcare professionals often recommend the use of a hearing aid if the loss is causing discomfort. Modern hearing aids are more discreet and smaller than their predecessors, with many featuring controls accessible through a smartphone to enhance the reduction of ambient sound.
A study published in the portal "Frontiers in Public Health" affirms that individuals who have recovered from Covid-19 often observe lingering effects of tinnitus. This holds true even for those who have never encountered the sensation of ringing or buzzing in their ears before. Remarkably, tinnitus after Covid-19 is now acknowledged as one of the neurological symptoms linked to the condition referred to as long Covid, the extended phase of symptoms following a Covid-19 infection. Ringing in the ears may manifest also as a transient outcome of the Covid-19 vaccine. As per the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, among around 136 million doses administered, there were 7076 reports of tinnitus.
Dizziness, indicating changes in balance perception, is an additional ear-related symptom noted in individuals with Covid-19. Its duration can vary from person to person. This dizziness may induce a sense of unsteadiness, unbalance, and hesitancy while walking.
Typically, vertigo stems from disruptions in the balance system, encompassing the vestibular system situated in the inner ear or labyrinth. Moreover, long covid has been associated with persistent vertigo in some individuals.
Also experiencing ear and jaw pain on one side has been reported as a potential symptom associated with Covid-19. The virus can potentially cause pain only in the right or left ear. Even though, jaw pain on one side can signal various conditions apart from Covid-19. While certain symptoms may bear similarities to those linked with coronavirus, it's essential to recognize that they may not necessarily be connected to the virus. Below are potential reasons for pain in this particular region:
Pain behind the ear and down the neck has been reported as a potential symptom associated with Covid-19. Individuals infected with the virus may experience discomfort, including aching sensations or pain that extends from the area behind the ear down to the neck. The reason may be swollen lymph nodes in the neck area that due to Covid-19 infection may enlarge.
Normally, lymph nodes are not noticeable through touch in a person in good health. When they undergo swelling, these nodes may appear as noticeable masses beneath the skin, potentially tender or painful, especially if situated near the ear.
Identifying such a lump suggests an infection in the nearby area, considering the vital role lymph nodes play in combating infections.
The predominant symptoms of a Covid-19 infection comprise:
Typically, an initial indicator is a fever, persisting even with antipyretic medication. Subsequently, a dry, distinctive cough and respiratory challenges become prominent symptoms. In the recovery phase, the loss of taste (ageusia) or altered taste perception (dysgeusia), along with the loss of smell (anosmia), are frequently reported. Covid-19 and ear pain might arise with otitis media, an inflammation of the middle ear that can occur when the Coronavirus affects the upper airways.
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