COVID-19 has a few uncommon symptoms such as dampening your sense of taste and smell. Indeed, loss of smell is often one of the first indications of infection. But your sense of smell and taste aren’t the only sense impacted by COVID-19. Sensorineural hearing loss is an uncommon and long-term problem according to new studies.
How Can COVID-19 Result In Hearing Loss?
Every day scientists are discovering more about COVID-19. But we’re really in the dark in a lot of ways. 2019 is when the virus was first observed. Usually, scientists work for years, even decades, to fully describe a new pathogen. And COVIC-19 is particularly challenging because it impacts different people in different ways.
There are a wide variety of symptoms you can experience. And irreversible hearing loss is sometimes one of them. Scientists still aren’t certain why that happens. It could be something known as “cellular stress” caused by the virus. According to this theory, COVID puts so much stress on your body that certain cells (like those responsible for hearing) start to break down. But this form of hearing loss may also be a result of your body’s own immune response. Sometimes, your immune system can go into high gear and winds up causing significant damage to your body.
Additionally, when other COVID symptoms are almost gone, this hearing loss can still become apparent. Again, we aren’t really certain why this takes place. We are also clueless why it’s more or less likely to happen.
Is There Any Treatment For This Sort of Hearing Loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss from COVID-19 can definitely be permanent. Of course, there are many variables, and there are some treatments, too. It’s already been observed that early steroid treatments seem to help protect your hearing from added damage. It’s essential to see a doctor right away if you experience sudden loss of hearing.
Getting a hearing exam after your COVID has passed is always a smart idea.
But it’s worth noting that there are a few qualifiers to all of this. Hearing loss, first off, is not a very common COVID symptom. We don’t know yet how prevalent this particular symptom is yet. But as scientists learn more about COVID-19 the science will change.
Can You Avoid COVID-Related Hearing Loss?
If you have sudden changes in your hearing and you have COVID-19 contact your doctor and schedule a hearing exam with us. An early response might help reduce long-term hearing loss.
Try to stay healthy: Protecting yourself from getting COVID-19 is the best way to avoid this kind of hearing loss. This means following guidelines regarding social gatherings, physical distancing, and wearing a mask.
While this particular symptom isn’t common, it still happens. And you will be a lot better off with more knowledge about hearing loss and COIVID. It’s a good choice to come in for an assessment if you think you’ve suffered hearing damage.