One of the most uncommon symptoms of COVID-19 is that it can temporarily dampen your senses of taste and smell. Indeed, loss of smell is often one of the first symptoms of infection. But your sense of smell and taste aren’t the only sense affected by COVID-19. New findings are uncovering an uncommon, but longer-term issue: irreversible sensorineural hearing loss.
How Can COVID-19 Result In Hearing Loss?
Every day scientists are discovering more about COVID-19. But we’re truly in the dark in many ways. 2019 is when the virus was first discovered. New pathogens usually take years or even decades for scientists to describe. One thing we’re discovering about COVID is that it impacts different people in countless different ways (making it an especially difficult and challenging problem).
You could experience a wide variety of symptoms. And permanent hearing loss can be one of them. Why this occurs is still not known. The virus may be creating a reaction called “cellular stress”. Certain cells (such as the cells in your ear) will begin to breakdown, according to this theory, because the virus puts so much stress on the body. But your body’s own immune response might also be responsible for this kind of hearing loss. Occasionally, 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 known. We also don’t have a good understanding of what sort of underlying conditions might cause COVID-related hearing loss to become more or less likely to occur.
Can This Hearing Loss be Managed?
Sensorineural hearing loss triggered by COVID-19 can certainly be permanent. Of course, there are a lot of variables, and there are a few treatments, also. Actually, researchers have already recognized that steroid treatments appear to help protect your hearing, especially if you undergo early treatment. If you are affected by sudden loss of hearing, you should see a doctor.
Having a hearing test after your COVID has passed is always a good idea.
But it’s worth noting that there are a couple of qualifiers to all of this. First and foremost, 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 learn more.
Can COVID Related Hearing Loss be Avoided?
If you have sudden changes in your hearing and you have COVID-19 get in touch with your doctor and make an appointment for a hearing test with us. Long-term hearing loss can be minimized by quick response.
Try to avoid getting sick: The best way to protect against COVID-related hearing loss is to do everything possible to steer clear of contracting COVID in the first place. This means following guidelines regarding social gatherings, physical distancing, and wearing a mask.
While this specific symptom isn’t common, it still happens. And the more information you have concerning COVID and hearing loss, the better. If you think you’ve already suffered hearing damage, it’s probably a wise decision to come in and get examined.