COVID-19 has some unusual symptoms including dampening your sense of smell and taste. We recognize that one of the first signs is loss of the sense of smell. But COVID-19 impacts more than just your sense of taste and smell. Sensorineural hearing loss is an unusual and lasting problem according to new studies.
How Can COVID-19 Cause Hearing Loss?
Every day scientists are learning more with regards to COVID-19. But we’re really in the dark in a lot of ways. 2019 is when the virus was first observed. New pathogens usually take years or decades for scientists to identify. And COVIC-19 is especially challenging because it effects different people in different ways.
You might experience a wide range of symptoms. And one of those symptoms is irreversible hearing loss. Why this occurs is still not known. It might be something known as “cellular stress” caused by the virus. Based on this theory, COVID puts so much stress on your body that certain cells (like those responsible for hearing) begin to break down. But your body’s own immune response might also be responsible for this kind of hearing loss. On occasion, your immune system can go into overdrive and winds up contributing to significant damage to your body.
Also, when other COVID symptoms are almost gone, this hearing loss can still show up. Again, we aren’t really certain why this occurs. We are also clueless why it’s more or less likely to happen.
Is There Any Treatment For This Type of Hearing Loss?
Permanent sensorineural hearing loss is possible with COVID-19. There may be a few treatment possibilities depending on certain variables. It’s already been discovered that early steroid treatments seem to help protect your hearing from added damage. If you do experience sudden loss of hearing, you need to talk to a doctor.
Having a hearing test after your COVID has passed is always a smart idea.
But it’s worth mentioning that there are a few qualifiers to all of this. First and foremost, hearing loss does seem to be a fairly uncommon symptom of COVID. We don’t know yet how common this particular symptom is at this point. 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?
Presently, if you already have COVID, you need to let us or your doctor know right away if hearing changes suddenly. Long-term hearing loss can be lessened by quick response.
Try to remain healthy: The best way to prevent COVID-related hearing loss is to do everything possible to steer clear of contracting COVID in the first place. So when it comes to things like social distancing, social gatherings, and wearing a mask, follow the guidelines.
This symptom does occur though it’s rare. And the more facts you have concerning COVID and hearing loss, the better. If you think you’ve already suffered hearing damage, it’s probably a wise decision to come in and get tested.