One of the most uncommon symptoms of COVID-19 is that it’s able to temporarily deaden your senses of taste and smell. We know that one of the first symptoms is loss of the sense of smell. But your sense of smell and taste aren’t the only sense impacted by COVID-19. Sensorineural hearing loss is an unusual and long-term issue according to new studies.
How is Hearing Loss Caused by COVID-19?
Every day scientists are finding out more about COVID-19. But we’re truly in the dark in a lot of ways. 2019 is when the virus was first observed. Normally, scientists work for years, if not decades, to fully identify a new pathogen. And COVIC-19 is especially difficult because it effects different people in different ways.
You may experience a wide array of symptoms. And permanent hearing loss is sometimes one of them. Researchers still aren’t sure why that is. The virus may be causing a response known as “cellular stress”. Some cells (such as the cells in your ear) will begin to deteriorate, according to this theory, because the virus puts so much strain on the body. But this type of hearing loss may also be a result of your body’s own immune response. Considerable 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 exact timing isn’t completely known. Nor do we have a good grasp of what type of underlying circumstances might cause COVID-related hearing loss to be more or less likely to take place.
Is There Any Treatment For This Kind of Hearing Loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss triggered by COVID-19 can definitely be permanent. There might be some treatment possibilities depending on specific variables. Actually, researchers have already recognized that steroid treatments appear to help safeguard your hearing, especially if you undergo early treatment. It’s essential to see a doctor right away if you experience sudden hearing loss.
Either way, once you’ve completely recovered from your COVID-19 situation, it might be a good plan to visit us and get a hearing test.
But it’s worth pointing out that there are a couple of qualifiers to all of this. First of all, hearing loss does appear to be a fairly uncommon symptom of COVID. We don’t know yet how common this particular symptom is yet. But as scientists discover more about COVID-19 the science will change.
Can You Prevent COVID-Induced Hearing Loss?
If you have sudden changes in your hearing and you have COVID-19 contact your doctor and make an appointment for a hearing exam with us. An early response may help minimize long-term hearing loss.
Try to avoid getting sick: Protecting yourself from contracting COVID-19 is the best way to prevent this type of hearing loss. So when it comes to things such as social distancing, social gatherings, and wearing a mask, stick to the guidelines.
This symptom does happen though it’s rare. And you will be that much better off with more knowledge about hearing loss and COIVID. If you think you’ve already had hearing damage, it’s probably a wise decision to come in and get tested.