COVID-19 has a few uncommon symptoms including dampening your sense of smell and taste. We know that one of the first symptoms is loss of smell. But COVID-19 impacts more than just your sense of taste and smell. Sensorineural hearing loss is an unusual and permanent problem according to new studies.
How Can COVID-19 Lead to Hearing Loss?
Each day scientists are discovering more about COVID-19. But we’re truly in the dark in many ways. 2019 is when the virus was first discovered. New pathogens normally take years or decades for scientists to identify. And COVIC-19 can be particularly difficult because it impacts different people in different ways.
There are a wide variety of symptoms you can experience. And one of those symptoms is permanent hearing loss. Researchers still aren’t sure why that is. It could be something known as “cellular stress” caused by the virus. Some cells (such as the cells in your ear) will begin to breakdown, according to this hypothesis, because the virus places so much strain on the body. But this type of hearing loss could also be a result of your body’s own immune reaction. Considerable damage can be done to your body when your immune system goes into overdrive.
It’s also worth pointing out that occasionally this hearing loss can first appear when other COVID symptoms are on their way out. Again, we’re not really certain why this takes place. We also don’t have a good understanding of what kind of underlying circumstances would cause COVID-related hearing loss to be more or less likely to occur.
Can This Hearing Loss be Treated?
Irreversible sensorineural hearing loss is possible with COVID-19. There may be a few treatment possibilities depending on certain variables. As a matter of fact, researchers have already recognized that steroid treatments seem to help protect your hearing, particularly if you undergo early treatment. It’s important to see a doctor right away if you experience sudden loss of hearing.
Having a hearing test after your COVID has passed is always a good idea.
There are a few qualifiers to all of this that are worth pointing out. First of all, 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 continue to update and change as scientists learn more.
Can You Avoid COVID-Related Hearing Loss?
Right now, if you’re already suffering with COVID, you need to let us or your doctor know right away if hearing changes suddenly. Lasting hearing loss can be reduced by quick response.
Try to remain healthy: The best way to protect against COVID-related hearing loss is to do whatever you can to avoid getting COVID in the first place. So when it comes to things like social distancing, social gatherings, and wearing a mask, stick to the guidelines.
This symptom does happen though it’s rare. And you will be that much better off with more insight about hearing loss and COIVID. If you think you’ve already suffered hearing damage, it’s probably a wise decision to come in and get evaluated.