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 initial signs of infection. But your sense of smell and taste aren’t the only sense impacted by COVID-19. New findings are uncovering an uncommon, but longer-term problem: irreversible sensorineural hearing loss.
How Can COVID-19 Lead to Hearing Loss?
Each day scientists are finding out more with regards to COVID-19. But we’re really in the dark in a lot of ways. 2019 is when the virus was first observed. Usually, scientists work for years, if not decades, to completely describe a new pathogen. One thing we do know about COVID is that it affects different individuals in countless different ways (making it a really difficult and challenging problem).
You might experience a wide range of symptoms. And one of those symptoms is lasting hearing loss. Why this happens is still unknown. The virus may be creating a reaction known as “cellular stress”. Some cells (such as the cells in your ear) will begin to deteriorate, according to this hypothesis, because the virus places so much strain on the body. But this type of hearing loss may also be the result of your body’s own immune reaction. Occasionally, your immune system can go into overdrive and winds up causing significant damage to your body.
It’s also worth noting that occasionally this hearing loss can first appear when other COVID symptoms are on their way out. The exact timing isn’t precisely understood. We also have no clue why it’s more or less likely to occur.
Can This Hearing Loss be Treated?
Irreversible sensorineural hearing loss is possible as a result of COVID-19. Needless to say, there are a lot of variables, and there are a few treatments, also. It’s already been discovered that early steroid treatments appear to help protect your hearing from additional damage. If you do experience sudden loss of hearing, you should see a doctor.
Getting a hearing test after your COVID has passed is always a smart idea.
There are several qualifiers to all of this that should be pointed out. Hearing loss, first off, isn’t a very common COVID symptom. We don’t know yet how prevalent this particular symptom is at this point. But as scientists learn more about COVID-19 the science will change.
Can COVID Induced Hearing Loss be Avoided?
If you have sudden changes in your hearing and you have COVID-19 contact your doctor and make an appointment for a hearing test with us. An early response may help lessen long-term hearing loss.
Try to prevent getting sick: The best way to protect against COVID-related hearing loss is to do everything possible to avoid contracting COVID in the first place. So with regards to things like social distancing, social gatherings, and wearing a mask, follow the guidelines.
While this specific symptom isn’t common, it still occurs. And the more information you have concerning COVID and hearing loss, the better. If you think you’ve already had hearing damage, it’s definitely a good idea to come in and get examined.