COVID-19 and Tinnitus – Are They Related?

If you experience ringing or buzzing in one or both ears, you may have tinnitus. In my other article, I discuss the different causes and treatment for tinnitus. The purpose of this article is to investigate research that links COVID-19 to tinnitus.

Analyzing The Facts

In a systematic review of hearing-related symptoms post-coronavirus published by the International Journal of Audiology, nearly 15 percent of patients reported tinnitus, although the authors do mention this number may be overestimated. Although scientists are learning more about how the novel coronavirus affects the body, much remains to be discovered. According to  Kevin Munro, Au.D., a professor of audiology at the UK's Manchester Center for Audiology and Deafness, coronavirus affects other organs and systems beyond the respiratory.

In December 2020, Munro conducted a study looking for audio-vestibular symptoms associated with the coronavirus. When this study was completed early during the pandemic, researchers were unable to find any symptoms related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). However, this time, Murs discovers that an estimated:

• 7.6% of people report hearing loss
• 14.8% report tinnitus
• 7.2% report vertigo

However, the study lacked control groups, leading to the possibility of error. Yet, a connection between tinnitus and COVID-19 is not implausible.

Other Factors

If COVID-19 does not directly cause tinnitus, it may cause it indirectly through lifestyle changes. During the pandemic, people experienced huge changes from their daily routines. Their social activity, sleep schedules, and diet may have dramatically worsened. These factors play a role in one’s auditory health as well as other physical fitness. To ensure your body remains strong and fit in all areas, be sure to get adequate sleep, exercise, nutrition, and hydration. Also, be sure to ease stress through social activity and daily sunshine.

Consider the Options

If you are noticing auditory problems after recovering from COVID-19, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced audiologist who can assess your hearing and provide advice. At Audiology First,  we can help guide you to the help you need. 

References

Almufarrij, Ibrahim and Kevin J. Munro. “One Year On: An Updated Systematic Review of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and Audio-vestibular Symptoms.” International Journal of Audiology. Published March 22, 2021. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/ 14992027.2021.1896793?journalCode=iija20.

Madeleine Burry. “COVID-19 and Tinnitus: What’s the Connection?” Healthyhearing.com. Published June 7, 2021. https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/53206-Covid- tinnitus-and-coronavirus.