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 signs of infection. But your sense of smell and taste aren’t the only sense affected by COVID-19. Sensorineural hearing loss is an uncommon and lasting problem according to new findings.
How is Hearing Loss Triggered by COVID-19?
Scientists are discovering more about COVID-19 each day. But there’s still a lot we don’t know. 2019 is when the virus was first discovered. Normally, scientists work for years, even decades, to completely describe a new pathogen. One thing we do know about COVID is that it impacts different individuals in countless different ways (making it an especially difficult and challenging nemesis).
You might experience a wide variety of symptoms. And irreversible hearing loss is sometimes one of them. Scientists still aren’t certain why that happens. The virus could be creating a reaction known as “cellular stress”. Based on this hypothesis, COVID puts so much stress on your body that certain cells (like those responsible for hearing) start to deteriorate. But your body’s own immune response could also be responsible for this type of hearing loss. On occasion, your immune system can go into high gear and winds up contributing to considerable damage to your body.
It’s also worth mentioning that occasionally this hearing loss can first present when other COVID symptoms are almost gone. The actual timing isn’t really known. We are also clueless why it’s more or less likely to happen.
Can This Hearing Loss be Treated?
Irreversible sensorineural hearing loss is possible with COVID-19. There may be some treatment options depending on specific variables. As a matter of fact, researchers have noticed already that steroid treatments appear to help safeguard your hearing, especially if you get early treatment. It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you experience sudden loss of hearing.
Getting a hearing test after your COVID has passed is always a smart idea.
There are a few qualifiers to all of this that are worth pointing out. First and foremost, hearing loss does appear to be a fairly uncommon symptom of COVID. 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 change.
Can COVID Induced Hearing Loss be Prevented?
Presently, if you already have COVID, you need to let us or your doctor know as soon as possible if you have any sudden change to your hearing. An early response might help minimize long-term hearing loss.
Try to stay healthy: Protecting yourself from getting COVID-19 is the best way to prevent this kind of hearing loss. This means sticking with guidelines regarding social gatherings, physical distancing, and wearing a mask.
This symptom does occur though it’s rare. And you will be substantially better off with more insight about hearing loss and COIVID. It’s a good idea to come in for a test if you think you have suffered hearing damage.