Post Covid 19 SSNHL in Egypt

Abstract

Background: A growing body of evidence suggests that patients with the 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have a risk of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). The pathogenesis of COVID-19-related SSNHL remains unclear. The aim of this study was to correlate the SSNHL to Covid 19 positive PCR patients. Methods: The study was designed as a prospective observational study on 200 who suffered from post-Covid acute SNHL among those attending to the post Covid19 clinic in Misr International Hospital in Giza Government. Results: According to Distribution of patients according to SNHL severity, 54 (27%) patients were mild, 23 (11.5%) Mild to moderate, 61 (30.5%) moderate, 14 (7%) Moderate to severe, 13 (6.5%) severe, 26 (13.5%) Severe to profound, and 9 (4.5%) profound. 193 (96.5%) of patients suffered from unilateral SNHL. Regarding Associated Audiovestibular Signs and symptoms, 134 (67%) suffered from Tinnitus, 19 (9.5%) from Vertigo, 13 (6.5%) from Dizziness, 8 (4%) from Ear pain and 3 (1.5%) Facial nerve palsy. 110 (55%) of pateits were treated by Systemic steroids, 29 (14.5%) by Local steroids , 27 (13.5%) by Combined local and systemic steroids and 34 (17%) by other treatment (contraindicated to steroids). SNHL prognosis, patients who received Combined Local and systemic steroids was with the best prognosis. There was a statistically significant difference in patients' prognosis according to type of treatment. Conclusion: the audiovestibular system can be affected by SARS-COV-2 resulting in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) which can be reversible by combined local and systemic steroid therapy with good prognosis.