Can You Have Hearing Loss From COVID?

There are few things worse than catching a cold. While most colds will leave you fatigued, a bit stuffy, or with a sore throat, you may also find yourself with mild hearing loss. Hearing loss from head colds or the flu is often temporary. But with each strain of COVID showing new and changing symptoms, you may be wondering if hearing loss is also a side effect of COVID. And if it is, is the hearing loss going to be temporary or permanent?

Recent studies have uncovered a possible link between COVID and hearing loss. Although a definitive link has yet to be established, the evidence seems to suggest that contracting COVID can lead to hearing loss in some patients. Follow along as El Dorado Hearing explains the connection and shares what you can do to make sure your hearing is properly restored.

The Connection Between Hearing Loss & COVID-19

It’s no surprise when you experience temporary hearing loss from the common cold. But with the rise of COVID over the past few years, we’re still uncovering information on side effects as they come to light. A few studies have been done across the globe to examine if there is a connection between hearing loss and cases of COVID.

Although there hasn’t yet been enough research to provide the connection, it is believed that COVID can enter the body through the ear. When this happens, it can impact an individual’s cochlear and vestibular hair cells, resulting in problems with their hearing and/or balance.

One study, in particular, looked at 214 patients diagnosed with COVID and found that 36.4% of them experienced neurologic manifestations involving the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and skeletal muscles. As a result, the individuals are more susceptible to damage to their inner ear, which can leave them with hearing loss.

Viruses That Cause Hearing Loss

Although there isn’t conclusive evidence that COVID will cause long-term damage to a patient’s hearing, the belief is not a crazy speculation. There are a variety of viruses that can cause a person to experience mild to severe hearing loss, including illnesses such as meningitis, syphilis, mumps, rubella, measles, and AIDS.

Based on the connection between hearing loss and these illnesses, along with the recent study’s findings, it is believed that COVID can cause auditory neuropathy or mild hearing loss. If treated, the individual can reverse the damage or stop the hearing loss from progressing or getting worse. In some cases, the individual’s hearing loss will restore itself on its own once the body heals itself from the virus.

In the meantime, more studies are being conducted to determine if there is a definitive connection between hearing loss and COVID. Studies will focus on the long-term effects of COVID and how it impacts the body — including your hearing. Whether your hearing loss is from the virus or a result of something else, we recommend having your hearing evaluated by a professional to determine the cause and find a solution.

Schedule an Appointment for a Hearing Evaluation

If you recently tested positive for COVID and are experiencing diminished hearing, it is recommended that you undergo a hearing evaluation to determine the extent of the damage you may be facing. Should the hearing test conclude that you have hearing loss, our team can help you navigate the various treatment options to restore your hearing.

One of the most effective hearing loss treatments is hearing aids. Hearing aids are available in many sizes, styles, and technologies, allowing individuals to find a pair that meets their specific needs. Our hearing specialists are highly experienced and offer an in-depth hearing assessment to evaluate whether you have hearing loss and the extent to which the loss affects you. 

We strive to make our hearing offices comfortable where everyone feels welcome. We’ll help you find the proper hearing aids to restore your hearing. For personalized hearing testing in Tucson, AZ, make El Dorado Hearing of Tucson first on your list.

If you are ready to regain control of your hearing, visit us at one of our hearing clinics. Contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our caring and expert hearing specialists!