The latest research reveals that Tinnitus, a prevalent condition causing noise or ringing in the ears, is being aggravated by Covid-19 and the preventive measures. The comprehensive study was led by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in the United Kingdom, supported by the British Tinnitus Association and the American Tinnitus Association.
Covid-19 Triggering Tinnitus
The research encompassed 3,103 individuals with Tinnitus from 48 nations, primarily from the UK and US. It discovered that 40% of those exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms simultaneously experienced a worsening of their tinnitus. Notably, some participants reported that their tinnitus condition was initially sparked due to developing Covid-19 symptoms, indicating that tinnitus could be a Covid symptom in certain cases.
Social Distancing Measures Worsen Tinnitus
The study highlighted that a significant percentage of people believe their tinnitus is being exacerbated by social distancing measures. A striking 46% of UK respondents said that lifestyle changes had negatively impacted their tinnitus, compared to 29% in North America.
Exploring Ways How Covid-19 Can Affect Hearing
In another study published in the BMJ Case Reports, researchers explored potential ways through which Covid-19 can impact hearing. One such way was due to the presence of ACE-2 human receptors, which SARS-CoV-2 binds with. Interestingly, this receptor was recently found to be expressed in the epithelial cells in a mouse’s middle ear.
Alternatively, hearing could also be affected through the immune system’s response to the infection. Inflammatory responses and an increase in cytokines due to infection might lead to hearing loss if there is direct entry into the cochlea, causing inflammation and cell stress.
Anosmia and Ageusia As Covid-19 Signs
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists have noted an increasing number of patients with anosmia (the abrupt loss of smell) and ageusia (loss of taste). Both these conditions could be signs of Covid-19 in otherwise healthy individuals.
About Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. Rather than being a condition on its own, it’s a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder.
Tinnitus can have a significant impact on quality of life, leading to fatigue, stress, sleep problems, trouble concentrating, memory issues, depression, anxiety, and irritability. Although tinnitus can become more severe with age, for many people, it can be improved with treatment.
Treatment Options
Treating any identified underlying cause can sometimes help with tinnitus. Other available treatments work to reduce or mask the noise, making tinnitus less noticeable. These treatments may include using hearing aids and sound-masking devices, taking medicines, and learning ways to cope with the noise.