COVID-19 has a few unusual symptoms such as dampening your sense of smell and taste. Indeed, loss of smell is often one of the first indications of infection. But COVID-19 affects more than just your sense of taste and smell. Sensorineural hearing loss is an unusual and long-term issue according to new findings.
How is Hearing Loss Caused by COVID-19?
Scientists are discovering more about COVID-19 each day. But there’s still a great deal we don’t know. 2019 is when the virus was first observed. Usually, scientists work for years, even decades, to completely describe a new pathogen. And COVIC-19 can be particularly challenging because it effects different people in different ways.
You could experience a wide variety of symptoms. And one of those symptoms is lasting hearing loss. Scientists still aren’t certain why that happens. It might be something called “cellular stress” caused by the virus. Based on this theory, COVID puts so much strain on your body that certain cells (like those responsible for hearing) begin to deteriorate. But this form of hearing loss may also be the result of your body’s own immune reaction. On occasion, your immune system can go into overdrive and winds up contributing to considerable damage to your body.
It’s also worth mentioning that sometimes this hearing loss can first present when other COVID symptoms are on their way out. Again, we’re not quite certain why this occurs. Nor do we have a solid understanding of what kind of underlying conditions would cause COVID-related hearing loss to be more or less likely to occur.
Is There Any Treatment For This Type of Hearing Loss?
Irreversible sensorineural hearing loss is possible as a result of COVID-19. There might be some treatment options depending on specific variables. It’s already been observed that early steroid treatments appear to help protect your hearing from further damage. It’s important to see a doctor right away if you experience sudden hearing loss.
Having a hearing exam after your COVID has passed is always a smart idea.
There are several qualifiers to all of this that are worth pointing out. First and foremost, hearing loss does appear to be a relatively uncommon symptom of COVID. Right now, we’re not sure how common this symptom is. But it’s likely that the science on COVID will keep updating and changing as scientists learn more.
Can You Avoid COVID-Induced Hearing Loss?
Presently, if you’re already suffering with COVID, you should let us or your doctor know right away if hearing changes suddenly. An early response might help lessen lasting hearing loss.
Try to stay healthy: Protecting yourself from getting COVID-19 is the best way to avoid this type of hearing loss. This means following guidelines when it comes to 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 knowledge about hearing loss and COIVID. It’s a good idea to come in for an evaluation if you think you have suffered hearing damage.