COVID-19 has some uncommon symptoms such as dampening your sense of taste and smell. We recognize that one of the first symptoms is loss of smell. But COVID-19 affects more than just your sense of taste and smell. Sensorineural hearing loss is an uncommon and lasting problem according to new findings.
How Can COVID-19 Lead to Hearing Loss?
Each day scientists are learning more with regards to COVID-19. But there’s still a great deal we don’t know. 2019 is when the virus was first observed. Normally, scientists work for years, if not decades, to thoroughly identify a new pathogen. One thing we do know about COVID is that it affects different individuals in a lot of different ways (making it an especially tricky and challenging problem).
You could experience a wide variety of symptoms. And irreversible hearing loss can be one of them. Scientists still aren’t certain why that happens. It may be something called “cellular stress” caused by the virus. Some cells (such as the cells in your ear) will start to deteriorate, according to this theory, because the virus places so much stress on the body. But your body’s own immune response may also be responsible for this kind of hearing loss. Significant damage can be done to your body when your immune system overcompensates.
Additionally, when other COVID symptoms are almost gone, this hearing loss can still become apparent. The exact timing isn’t completely understood. Nor do we have a solid grasp of what type of underlying circumstances would cause COVID-related hearing loss to be more or less likely to happen.
Can This Hearing Loss be Managed?
Sensorineural hearing loss caused by COVID-19 can certainly be permanent. Of course, there are a lot of variables, and there are some treatments, also. Actually, researchers have already recognized that steroid treatments appear to help protect your hearing, especially if you get early treatment. If you are affected by sudden loss of hearing, you should consult a doctor.
In either case, once you’ve fully recovered from your COVID-19 experience, it might be a good idea to visit us and get a hearing test.
There are a few qualifiers to all of this that are worth pointing out. First of all, hearing loss does seem to be a relatively uncommon symptom of COVID. We don’t know yet how prevalent this particular symptom is yet. But as scientists learn more about COVID-19 the science will adjust.
Can COVID Related Hearing Loss be Prevented?
Right now, 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 quick response.
Try to prevent getting sick: The best way to prevent COVID-related hearing loss is to do everything possible to steer clear of getting COVID in the first place. This means following guidelines regarding social gatherings, physical distancing, and wearing a mask.
This symptom does occur though it’s rare. And you will be that much better off with more knowledge about hearing loss and COIVID. It’s a good choice to come in for an evaluation if you think you have suffered hearing damage.