The sound erupts intermittently throughout the day, without a distinct source triggering its arrival.
Gaviria is not alone.
Case studies show one in 10 COVID-19 patients report experiencing some form of hearing loss or tinnitus.
Lara Antal / Verywell
Cases of COVID-induced hearing loss have been documented globally, everywhere fromIranandEgypttoThailandandTurkey.
Now, doctors and researchers are taking a closer look.
In his first study on the topic, Munro reviewed seven research projects studying hearing loss in COVID-19 patients.
But there was no unifying root between them.
Munro says its too early to tell the extent of the damage COVID-19 will cause on the ears.
If the hearing loss is sudden, steroids may help reverse it in the first 24 hours.
Nasal Inhalation
According to Munro, inhaling SARS-CoV-2 couldtrigger ear infection-like mechanismsthat cause blockage in the ear.
Munro says that in this case, ears arent directly damaged, but the nerves that transmit sounds are.
This throw in of damage is called peripheral neuropathy.
If this inflammation occurs in any of the structures next to the ears,it could trigger aringing sound.
From there, the audiologist can perform a hearing test that measures ability to discern different pitches and frequencies.
If the hearing loss is sudden, Barr says to seek medical attention immediately.
[Steroids are] one of the medical interventions that could potentially reverse hearing damage," she says.
Tinnitus is more complicated.
However, if tinnitus happens on its own, then there is currently no medical remedy for it.
According to Barr, tinnitus can be triggered and aggravated by any form of stress.
you’ve got the option to try CBT through apps such asRelax.
This app also includes different sounds to buffer the tinnitus.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Almufarrij I, Uus K, Munro KJ.Does coronavirus affect the audio-vestibular system?
A rapid systematic review.International Journal of Audiology.
2013;17(3):101-4. doi:10.7874/kja.2013.17.3.101
