Coronavirus affects almost every organ. The list of complications from COVID-19 continues to grow. This disease can cause, among other things, cardiological problems, respiratory problems or ENT disorders. So, can coronavirus cause sudden and permanent hearing loss? Dr. Agnieszka Dmowska-Koroblewska from the MML Medical Center commented on this topic for Poradnik Zdrowia.
Hearing loss can be a symptom of many different types of viral and bacterial infections. Can this group also include the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the COVID-19 disease?
World scientific publications show thatsudden hearing loss is rarely a symptom of coronavirus infection . Last year, several Iranian patients were reported who complained of both hearing loss in one ear and dizziness after having had COVID-19. Scientists also referred to the story of one Egyptian who had only one symptom of the coronavirus - sudden hearing loss.
More scientists say that a number of ENT complications may appear several days or even weeks after the disease, includinghearing loss, tinnitus or dizziness.According to scientists however, there is still a lack of "high-quality research" that could take a closer look at this issue.
SARS-CoV-2 virus can attack hearing? Otolaryngologist explains
Nevertheless, we decided to delve into the topic and asked an expert to clarify it. When asked if COVID-19 can cause sudden, permanent hearing loss, she answeredDr. Agnieszka Dmowska-Koroblewska, an otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon from the MML Medical Center.According to her, "yes the real consequences of COVID-19 will only be able to be assessed in a few years. "
- Now we can confirm that there areviruses, e.g. herpes, that can cause sudden deafness or impair the sense of hearing.Some viruses have an affinity for sensory cells (snail sensory cells). ) and can damage them. They can also damage the VIII cochlear nerve - explained Dr. Agnieszka Dmowska-Koroblewska in an interview with Poradnik Zdrowie.
As the otolaryngologist pointed out, "apart from the emergencyhearing loss, such damage can lead to very bothersome dizziness ”. -Damage to the sensory cells and the auditory nerve causes sensorineural hearing loss.There may be a feeling of stuffiness or tingling in the ear. It is a consequence of obstruction of the Eustachian tube - added the doctor.
- The virus enters the body through the airway through the nasal cavity, the nasal mucosa and nasopharynx are swollen, and as a result the Eustachian tube is swollen - explained Dr. Agnieszka Dmowska-Koroblewska. She added that "inflammation of the Eustachian tube can lead to the formation of fluid in the tympanic cavity, leading to conductive type hearing loss."
In both cases, see an otolaryngologist as soon as possible.
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