COVID-19 has some uncommon symptoms such as dampening your sense of taste and smell. Indeed, loss of smell is often one of the initial symptoms of infection. But COVID-19 affects more than just your sense of smell and taste. Sensorineural hearing loss is an uncommon and lasting problem according to new findings.
How Can COVID-19 Cause Hearing Loss?
Every day scientists are learning more about COVID-19. But we’re truly in the dark in many ways. 2019 is when the virus was first discovered. New pathogens usually take years or even decades for scientists to describe. One thing we do know about COVID is that it affects different people in many different ways (making it an especially difficult and challenging nemesis).
You might experience a wide array of symptoms. And one of those symptoms is permanent hearing loss. Researchers still aren’t sure why that happens. The virus could be causing a response known as “cellular stress”. Some cells (like the cells in your ear) will begin to breakdown, according to this hypothesis, because the virus places so much stress on the body. But your body’s own immune response might also be responsible for this kind of hearing loss. Significant damage can be done to your body when your immune system goes into overdrive.
It’s also worth mentioning that occasionally this hearing loss can first appear when other COVID symptoms are almost gone. The exact timing isn’t completely known. We also have no clue why it’s more or less likely to occur.
Is There Any Treatment For This Kind of Hearing Loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss caused by COVID-19 can indeed be permanent. Naturally, there are countless variables, and there are some treatments, too. As a matter of fact, researchers have noticed already that steroid treatments appear to help protect your hearing, particularly if you get early treatment. If you are affected by sudden loss of hearing, you need to talk to a doctor.
Getting a hearing test after your COVID has passed is always a smart idea.
But it’s worth noting that there are a couple of qualifiers to all of this. Hearing loss, first off, isn’t a very common COVID symptom. We don’t know yet how widespread this particular symptom is at this point. But as scientists learn more about COVID-19 the science will adjust.
Can COVID Related Hearing Loss be Prevented?
Presently, if you already have COVID, you need to let us or your doctor know as soon as possible if hearing changes suddenly. An early response could help minimize long-term hearing loss.
Try to prevent getting sick: Safeguarding yourself from contracting COVID-19 is the best way to avoid this type of hearing loss. This means following guidelines regarding social gatherings, physical distancing, and wearing a mask.
While this specific symptom isn’t common, it still occurs. And you will be a lot better off with more insight about hearing loss and COIVID. It’s a good idea to come in for an evaluation if you think you’ve suffered hearing damage.