COVID-19 linked to sudden permanent hearing loss in some rare cases, say scientists

Although uncommon, infection with vel Coronavirus may cause sudden permanent hearing loss in some patients, according to a study which is first case report linking disabling condition to COVID-19 in UK. According to scientists, including those from University College London in UK, awareness of this possible side effect is important since a prompt course of steroid treatment can reverse hearing loss.

y said while causes are t very clear, condition sometimes follows a viral infection, such as flu or herpes. research, published in journal BMJ Case Reports, describes case of a 45-year-old man with asthma who was referred to Royal National Throat se and Ear Hospital in UK after suddenly experiencing hearing loss in one ear while being treated for COVID-19.

According to scientists, patient had been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 symptoms which had been going on for 10 days during which he was transferred to intensive care as he was struggling to brea. He was put on a ventilator for 30 days, and developed or complications as a result, study ted.

researchers ted that he was treated with antiviral drug remdesivir, intraveus steroids, and a blood transfusion after which he started to get better. However, patient ticed ringing (tinnitus) in his left ear followed by sudden hearing loss in that ear a week after breathing tube was removed and he left intensive care.

According to scientists, he had t lost his hearing or had ear problems before, and apart from asthma, he was orwise fit and well. On examining his ear canals, y found that re were blocks or inflammation, but a hearing test showed that he had substantially lost his hearing in left ear. He was treated with steroid tablets and injections after which his hearing partially recovered, study ted.

scientists said he tested negative for or potential causes, including rheumatoid arthritis, flu and HIV, prompting his doctors to conclude that his hearing loss was associated with COVID-19 infection.

"Despite considerable literature on COVID-19 and various symptoms associated with virus, re is a lack of discussion on relationship between COVID-19 and hearing," researchers wrote in case report. "Hearing loss and tinnitus are symptoms that have been seen in patients with both COVID-19 and influenza virus, but have t been highlighted," y added.

scientists assessed similar cases reported since beginning of vel coronavirus pandemic, including first study of hearing loss mentioning COVID-19 alone in April. y said SARS-CoV-2 virus binds to a particular type of cell lining lungs, and could also infect similar cells lining middle ear.

According to scientists, virus also generates an inflammatory response and an increase in chemicals that have been linked to hearing loss. "Given widespread presence of virus in population and significant morbidity of hearing loss, it is important to investigate this furr," researchers wrote in study.

"This is especially true given need to promptly identify and treat hearing loss and current difficulty in accessing medical services," y added. scientists said doctors should ask patients in intensive care about hearing loss and refer m for urgent treatment. 

(Im credits: AP)