Hearing Loss-a Camouflaged Manifestation of COVID 19 Infection

Abstract

The symptomatology of novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus type 2 infection runs the entire gamut of mild to moderate and serious illness among the affected individuals. As listed in recent literature, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, olfactory and gustatory systems are commonly involved. With the growing knowledge about the disease, varied manifestations have been identified and lately, otorhinolaryngology dysfunctions in COVID 19 have been described. Hearing loss in COVID era is one of the emerging areas of concern and calls for further research in the field for the better understanding and treatment of this entity. This study was designed to assess the audiological profile among 100 mild to moderately affected COVID-19 individuals, so as to make a contribution to the emerging literature on otologic manifestations in COVID 19. In our case series, high frequency hearing loss and referred OAE was noted among significant number of COVID 19 positive patients. This was even observed in patients without any otologic symptoms. Hence, early identification and intervention if required helps to give a better quality of life to the patient.

Cochleovestibular findings linked to COVID-19: A scoping review for clinical care planning in South Africa

“…Mustafa ( 2020 ) found that pure-tone hearing thresholds in high frequencies and amplitudes of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) were significantly worse in this population, thus concluding that COVID-19 infection potentially has adverse effects on cochlear hair cell function even when infected individuals are asymptomatic for the cardinal disease symptoms. Similar findings were reported by Dharmarajan et al ( 2021 ), while Daher et al ( 2022 ) only found the hearing loss in the ultra-high frequencies, thus highlighting the need for inclusion of sensitive audiological measures such as ultra-high frequency audiometry and distortion product OAEs (DPOAEs).…”

Vestibular Cochlear Manifestations in COVID-19 Cases

“…Studies have highlighted the neurotropic and neuroinvasive nature of the COVID-19 virus (54), and the infection has been considered a plausible cause for hearing loss. Auditory symptoms, including hearing loss and tinnitus, are being frequently reported along with other usual symptoms in patients with COVID-19 (32,55,56). Being a neglected symptom, screening for hearing is being encouraged in the patients with COVID-19.…”

Middle ear status – structure, function and pathology: A scoping review on middle ear status of COVID-19 positive patients

“…Middle ear pathologies can change the anatomical structure(s) of the middle ear system, particularly the tympanic membrane (Møller, 2013 ). In this review, three studies (Dharmarajan et al, 2021 ; Fidan et al, 2020 ; Wanna et al, 2020 ) have reported on the anatomical changes, particularly of the tympanic membranes, in patients infected with COVID-19. Fidan et al ( 2020 ) reported hyperaemia and bulging of the tympanic membrane, while in a case series by Dharmarajan et al ( 2021 ), four participants presented with retracted tympanic membrane and two had dull tympanic membranes.…”

“…In this review, three studies (Dharmarajan et al, 2021 ; Fidan et al, 2020 ; Wanna et al, 2020 ) have reported on the anatomical changes, particularly of the tympanic membranes, in patients infected with COVID-19. Fidan et al ( 2020 ) reported hyperaemia and bulging of the tympanic membrane, while in a case series by Dharmarajan et al ( 2021 ), four participants presented with retracted tympanic membrane and two had dull tympanic membranes. While the third study (Wanna et al, 2020 ) did not specifically report on the anatomical structure of the tympanic membrane, this case study reported that a participant presented with purulent otorrhea, which may be indicative of tympanic membrane perforation (Ali & Alshareda, 2017 ).…”

“…A total of six studies (Bhatta et al, 2021 ; Boroujeni et al, 2021 ; Dharmarajan et al, 2021 ; Fidan, 2020 ; Maharaj et al, 2020 ; Raad et al, 2021 ) indicated the occurrence of hearing loss with a conductive element. Bhatta et al ( 2021 ) reported the occurrence of mild conductive hearing loss (CHL) in 3.2% participants infected with COVID-19.…”