COVID-19 has drastically changed the world as we know it. The virus that took the world by storm brought with it catastrophic consequences and effects.
The flu-like symptoms and infamous cough were the symptoms medical professionals warned the public of.
However, as the world continued to battle COVID-19, experts in the field began coming forward with uncommon symptoms that were not originally associated with the deadly virus.
Take a closer look at some of the unlikely symptoms that have been linked back to COVID-19 and why this could mean for people when it comes to hearing loss.
What are The Symptoms Surfacing in Regard to COVID-19?
After the initial news of the virus broke, the media, headlines, and news’ stories cautioned people of the flu-like conditions and the crippling cough that came with it. As many people are already aware, scientists, doctors, and researchers are up against a learning curve when it comes to this novelty disease.
Though they have made significant progress in learning about COVID-19, how it functions, and how to combat it, each day there still seems to be new developments and revelations.
Luckily, the public can always count on the latest groundbreaking science to lead the way and guide the nation during these trying and stressful times.
What Have Researchers Said About Hearing Loss and COVID-19?
In a short amount of time, COVID-19 has shown the world what a powerful and complex disease that it is. Unfortunately, hearing loss is another cause for concern when it comes to the coronavirus.
Though it is still in the early stages of being evaluated, there is considerable evidence indicating that COVID-19 could be responsible for triggering a loss of hearing.
One source has reported that traces of SARS-CoV-2 have been found within the ears of COVID-19 patients. Medical professionals have shared that SARS-CoV-2 is the virus responsible for causing COVID-19.
This could be very dangerous for several reasons. As Matthew Stewart, an associate professor of otolaryngology, explained, this could lead to “inflammation in the ear that could impair hearing or cause tinnitus, dizziness, and imbalance.”
Hopefully, with time, the professionals will have a better understanding of the connection between COVID-19 and hearing loss.
On a related note, the director of the cochlear implant program and medical director of audiology and otolaryngology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago has also made some interesting observations when it comes to hearing loss and COVID-19.
Since the global pandemic first ensued, Elias Michaelides, M.D., has admitted to an increase of patients who already suffered from hearing loss coming in to report that their hearing has worsened. However, as Michaelides shared, ironically enough, it is the masks that the public has been mandated to wear that are at the root of this particular problem.
People who may have relied upon reading lips are greatly suffering in the current times when it comes to communicating and hearing. The masks also muffle the sound that some people may have been able to hear subtly.
Though these patients might find reassurance and comfort in the fact that their hearing has not, in fact, worsened, it still doesn’t change the reality of the situation. Hopefully, masks with a transparent window will continue to become more popular and eventually the norm.
There is so much uncertainty when it comes to COVID-19. Hearing loss seems to be one of the many potential risks that can, sadly, come with the disease. Fortunately, I understand how stressful this can be, and I am here to help.
Contact me today to schedule a hearing assessment and find out more information in relation to hearing loss and COVID-19.
