A new study suggests a surprising number of coronavirus patients are suffering from issues with their hearing.
Let’s connect the dots.
Study: tinnitus, hearing loss and vertigo
The research out of the University of Manchester in Britain found nearly 15 percent of COVID-19 patients reported tinnitus, a ringing in the ears. Nearly 8 percent reported hearing loss and just over 7 percent suffered from vertigo.
Hearing problems can be caused by other viruses, such as measles and mumps, because they damage the sensory cells in the inner ear.
Symptoms vary, more research
It is still not clear why COVID-19 could be causing ear issues, and it’s not clear how long these symptoms last.
Some patients report ongoing problems while others say they clear up over time. While the research strongly suggests a link between coronavirus and auditory problems, more studies are needed.
New study on hearing long-term impact
Right now, there is a year-long study being conducted in the United Kingdom to investigate the long-term impact on hearing in coronavirus patients. The team leading the research is hoping to find out what parts of the auditory system are affected. Once they can track that down, they hope to be able to help people who are suffering.