Researchers found 56 studies that identified a link between COVID-19 and hearing and vestibular problems. The vestibular system includes parts of the inner ear and brain that process sensory information related to controlling eye balance and movements.
They collected data from 24 studies to estimate that the prevalence of hearing loss was 7.6%, tinnitus was 14.8%, and vertigo was 7.2%. Their data mainly uses self-reported questionnaires or medical records for symptoms related to COVID-19, rather than a more scientifically reliable hearing test.
However, the team – which followed up on their review conducted a year ago – described the quality of the study as fair. “There is an urgent need for careful clinical and diagnostic studies to understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the hearing system,” said Kevin Munro, professor of audiology at The University of Manchester and the Manchester Center for Biomedical Research (BRC).
“It is also known that viruses such as measles, mumps and meningitis can cause hearing loss, little is known about the hearing effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Although this review provides further evidence for an association, the studies we observed were of varying quality so more work needs to be done, “he said.
Page sciencefocus.com said Prof. Munro led a year-long study in the UK to investigate the possible long-term impact of the Corona virus on the hearing of people who were previously hospitalized due to the virus. His team hopes to accurately estimate the amount and severity of hearing loss associated with COVID-19 in the UK, and find which parts of the hearing system may be affected. Also read: New species of Rafflesia flower found in Malaysia, what’s the difference?
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