COVID-19 has a few unusual symptoms including dampening your sense of taste and smell. We know that one of the first signs 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 lasting problem according to new studies.
How Can COVID-19 Cause Hearing Loss?
Scientists are discovering more about COVID-19 every single day. But we’re truly in the dark in many ways. The virus itself was only first observed late in 2019. Normally, scientists work for years, if not decades, to completely identify a new pathogen. And COVIC-19 is especially challenging because it effects different individuals in different ways.
You could experience a wide array of symptoms. And irreversible hearing loss can be one of them. Why this happens is still unknown. It may be something known as “cellular stress” caused by the virus. Certain cells (such as the cells in your ear) will start to breakdown, according to this hypothesis, because the virus puts so much stress on the body. But your body’s own immune response could also be responsible for this kind of hearing loss. Sometimes, your immune system can go into overdrive and winds up contributing to 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. Again, we’re not quite sure why this occurs. We are also clueless why it’s more or less likely to occur.
Can This Hearing Loss be Managed?
Sensorineural hearing loss triggered by COVID-19 can indeed 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 safeguard your hearing, especially if you get early treatment. If you are affected by sudden loss of hearing, you need to see a doctor.
Either way, once you’ve completely recovered from your COVID-19 experience, it might be a good idea to visit us and get a hearing test.
There are several qualifiers to all of this that are worth pointing out. Hearing loss, first off, isn’t a very common COVID symptom. Right now, we’re not sure how prevalent this symptom is. But as scientists discover more about COVID-19 the science will adjust.
Can COVID Induced Hearing Loss be Prevented?
Presently, if you’re already suffering with COVID, you should let us or your doctor know right away if you have any sudden change to your hearing. An early response may help lessen lasting hearing loss.
Try to avoid getting sick: Safeguarding yourself from contracting COVID-19 is the best way to avoid this type of hearing loss. So with regards to things like social distancing, social gatherings, and wearing a mask, stick to the guidelines.
While this particular symptom is uncommon, it still occurs. And you will be that much better off with more insight about hearing loss and COIVID. If you think you’ve already had hearing damage, it’s probably a good idea to come in and get examined.
