Your Hearing Can Also be Affected by COVID-19

Woman protects her hearing health by wearing a mask.

COVID-19 has some unusual symptoms such as dampening your sense of smell and taste. We know that one of the first signs is loss of smell. But your sense of smell and taste aren’t the only sense impacted by COVID-19. Sensorineural hearing loss is an uncommon and lasting problem according to new studies.

How is Hearing Loss Caused by COVID-19?

Scientists are discovering more about COVID-19 every single day. But there’s still a lot we don’t know. 2019 is when the virus was first observed. Usually, scientists work for years, even decades, to completely identify a new pathogen. And COVIC-19 is particularly challenging because it effects different people in different ways.

You could experience a wide array of symptoms. And one of those symptoms is permanent hearing loss. Why this occurs is still unknown. The virus might be causing a response known as “cellular stress”. Certain cells (like the cells in your ear) will begin to breakdown, according to this theory, because the virus places so much stress on the body. But this type of hearing loss may also be a result of your body’s own immune response. On occasion, your immune system can go into high gear and winds up contributing to considerable damage to your body.

Also, when other COVID symptoms are almost gone, this hearing loss can still become apparent. The exact timing isn’t precisely understood. We are also clueless why it’s more or less likely to occur.

Can This Hearing Loss be Treated?

Sensorineural hearing loss from COVID-19 can definitely be permanent. There may be a few treatment possibilities depending on specific variables. As a matter of fact, researchers have noticed already that steroid treatments seem to help protect your hearing, especially if you undergo early treatment. If you are affected by sudden loss of hearing, you should talk to a doctor.

Getting a hearing exam after your COVID has passed is always a good idea.

There are several qualifiers to all of this that are worth pointing out. First of all, hearing loss does appear to be a relatively uncommon symptom of COVID. We don’t know yet how widespread this particular symptom is at this point. But it’s likely that the science on COVID will keep updating and changing as scientists discover more.

Can You Avoid COVID-Induced Hearing Loss?

Presently, if you’re already suffering with COVID, you should let us or your doctor know as soon as possible if hearing changes suddenly. An early response could help lessen long-term hearing loss.

Try to prevent getting sick: The best way to prevent COVID-related hearing loss is to do everything possible to avoid getting COVID in the first place. So with regards to things like social distancing, social gatherings, and wearing a mask, follow the guidelines.

While this specific symptom isn’t common, it still occurs. And the more insight you have about COVID and hearing loss, the better. If you think you’ve already suffered hearing damage, it’s definitely a wise decision to come in and get checked.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.