Does infection with the Covid-19 virus also affect hearing?

Introduction Covid-19 infections often lead to odour (33-98 % ), and taste (50 % ) disorders. In 1-3 % , the patients declare a hearing loss. Studies in asymptomatic, PCR-positive patients showed a significant hearing loss in the high frequency range. The aim of our follow-up study is to objectify a possible hearing loss in patients tested positive for Covid-19 and to follow it over time.

Methods The following tests will be done within the study: ENT examination, audiometry, TPOAE and DPOAE, ERA and ASSR. As a control group, we used ISO 7029:2017 for normal hearing. The examinations are performed after 1, 3 and 6 months after the initial presentation.

Results So far 48 patients have been included in the study. In the preliminary analysis, 12 patients reported a subjective hearing loss due to Covid-19 infection. In two patients deafness could be verified. The air conduction threshold (0.25-6kHz) is significantly worse on both sides than in normal hearing patients (p<0.05); especially in the high frequency range (≥4kHz). In the ASSR, a significantly higher threshold for 0.5; 1 and 2kHz (p<0.05) was found compared to the normal values. In stimulation with 4kHz only the threshold on the left is higher, on the right a significance is missed.

Conclusion In our preliminary analysis, 25 %  of patients reported subjective new hearing loss. Objectively, a significant hearing loss in the high frequency range on both sides was found. This could be related to the Covid-19 infection. Thus, a hearing loss due to a Covid-19 infection should be considered and further diagnostics and therapy should be initiated.

Poster-PDF A-1481.pdf

Conflict of interest

Der Erstautor gibt keinen Interessenskonflikt an.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021