Tinnitus following COVID-19 vaccination: report of three cases

Abstract

Objective: To ensure the safety and quality of vaccines, especially the newest RNA-vaccines against COVID-19, is one of the World Health Organization's current highest priorities. Design: Case description. Study sample: We report three cases of sudden unilateral tinnitus following BNT162b2 mRNA-vaccine injection, which rapidly resolved in 2 out of 3 cases. Results: The mechanism responsible for its development remains unclear. A hypersensitivity reaction with an abnormal autoimmune response or a vasculitic event may be implicated. Conclusions: Large-scale and well-designed studies are needed to improve surveillance of the COVID-19 vaccine and better define possible adverse reactions involving the cochleo-vestibular system and/or immunisation anxiety-related reactions.

Living with a vestibular disorder during the Covid-19 pandemic

“…These changes included an exacerbation of existing symptoms (e.g., headaches, fatigue, tinnitus) as well as triggering an attack of vertigo and dizziness during a period when they were otherwise well. Similar findings have been reported in case studies showing sudden unilateral tinnitus following the vaccine [35], and larger cross-sectional survey studies where dizziness symptoms were selfreported to onset following the vaccine [36]. Healthcare professionals should remain vigilant to acute attacks and exacerbations of chronic vestibular symptoms, particularly vertigo, unsteadiness, headaches, tinnitus, and cognitive problems.…”

Spectrum of neurological complications following COVID-19 vaccination

“…Post-vaccination otologic manifestations included hearing loss with tinnitus, dizziness, or with vertigo. In some patients, with Menière's disease or autoimmune inner ear disease, vaccine led to exacerbation of the pre-existing otologic symptoms [ 102 , 105 ].…”

SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-associated-tinnitus: A review

“…Ultimately, two studies [ 13 , 14 ] (case report and case series) were retrieved for inclusion in the review. The studies comprised data from four patients (three males and one female) with a mean age of 41.8 ± 12.6 years.…”

“… THI = 28 (5 hours post vaccination) THI = 46 (after visiting emergency) Audiometry test on 1st May revealed normal PTA and short SiSi THI (post-treatment) = 0 Single-dose of 10mg IV dexamethasone and 3 × 5mg oral prednisone daily for 3 days. Recovered on day 4 Parrino et al [ 13 ] 37 y/o Female Glaucoma, undifferentiated connective tissue disease, and transient tinnitus due to acute otitis media 20 years previously BNT162b2 mRNA-vaccine Pfizer (1st dose) 7 hours Right ear tinnitus, short-term dizziness, pain at the injection site. Otoscopy investigation was normal.…”

“…However, only association with tinnitus and hearing loss were statistically significant [ 12 ]. More recently, cases of tinnitus presented following both vector-based and mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines [ 13 , 14 ]. According to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), 12,247 cases of tinnitus post-coronavirus vaccination have been reported [ 15 ].…”