It seems that every day brings new information about COVID-19 and its potential complications to the human body. Once considered primarily a respiratory virus, there is new evidence that indicates the coronavirus may be able to also cause hearing loss.

In the U.K., a survey of coronavirus patients found that nearly 1 out of 10 COVID-19 patients reported some form of hearing loss weeks after recovery. Earlier studies also found an association between coronavirus and cochlear hair cell function deterioration, tinnitus and ear infections.

The patients in another study were all asymptomatic, but after recovering from the infection, they experienced a decline in hearing ability. A third study in Iran looked at six Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms of cough, fever and trouble breathing. Each had no relevant records of medical or hearing concerns. Yet, after contracting Covid-19, four had tinnitus (noise or ringing in the ears) and all had mild-to-moderate hearing loss in one ear.

Given the correlation between COVID-19 and hearing, if you contract the virus, we recommend getting a hearing evaluation once you’ve fully recovered. That way, any new hearing loss can be detected early—when it’s easiest to treat.

If you have additional questions about COVID and Hearing Loss, give us a call at (925) 804-3504.