COVID-19 has a few uncommon symptoms including dampening your sense of taste and smell. Indeed, loss of smell is often one of the initial symptoms of infection. But COVID-19 impacts more than just your sense of taste and smell. New studies are pointing to an uncommon, but longer-term issue: irreversible sensorineural hearing loss.
How Can COVID-19 Result In Hearing Loss?
Scientists are discovering more about COVID-19 each day. But we’re truly in the dark in many ways. The virus itself was only first observed in late 2019. Normally, scientists work for years, even decades, to thoroughly identify a new pathogen. And COVIC-19 is particularly difficult because it effects different individuals in different ways.
You might experience a wide range of symptoms. And one of those symptoms is irreversible hearing loss. Why this happens is still not known. It may be something known as “cellular stress” caused by the virus. According to this theory, COVID puts so much stress on your body that certain cells (like those responsible for hearing) start to break down. But this type of hearing loss might also be the result of your body’s own immune reaction. Significant damage can be done to your body when your immune system overcompensates.
Additionally, when other COVID symptoms are going away, this hearing loss can still show up. The actual timing isn’t completely understood. We also have no clue why it’s more or less likely to occur.
Can This Hearing Loss be Managed?
Sensorineural hearing loss caused by COVID-19 can definitely be permanent. Naturally, there are a lot of variables, and there are some treatments, too. In fact, researchers have noticed already that steroid treatments appear to help preserve your hearing, especially if you get early treatment. If you are affected by sudden loss of hearing, you should talk to a doctor.
Either way, once you’ve fully recovered from your COVID-19 experience, it may be a smart idea to visit us and have a hearing screening.
There are a few qualifiers to all of this that should be pointed out. First of all, hearing loss does seem to be a relatively uncommon symptom of COVID. We don’t know yet how common this particular symptom is at this point. But as scientists learn more about COVID-19 the science will change.
Can You Prevent COVID-Induced Hearing Loss?
Presently, if you’re already suffering with COVID, you need to let us or your doctor know as soon as possible if hearing changes suddenly. Long-term hearing loss can be lessened by rapid response.
Try to remain healthy: The best way to prevent COVID-related hearing loss is to do whatever you can to steer clear of getting COVID in the first place. So when it comes to things like social distancing, social gatherings, and wearing a mask, stick to the guidelines.
This symptom does happen though it’s rare. And the more facts you have concerning COVID and hearing loss, the better. It’s a good idea to come in for an evaluation if you think you have suffered hearing damage.
