New research has found that tinnitus, a common condition that causes noise perception in the ears and head, is becoming more severe. COVID-19 – As well as helpful steps to keep us safe.
With the support of the British Tinnitus Association and the American Tinnitus Association, a study of 3,103 people with tinnitus was led by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). The study was conducted in the UK and US. Participants from 48 countries were involved, with a majority coming from.
Published in Journal Frontiers in Public Health, Research has found that 40% of people with COVID-19 symptoms experience a simultaneous deterioration of their tinnitus.
Although the study focused on people with pre-existing tinnitus, a very small number of participants also noted that their condition initially developed CoVID-19 symptoms, suggesting that in some cases tinnitus may be a ‘long covid’ symptom. Is.
Tinnitus affects one in eight adults in the UK and is associated with a reduction in emotional well-being, depression and anxiety.
The new study also found that a large proportion of people believe that their tinnitus is made worse by social distance measures introduced to help control the spread of the virus. These measures have led to significant changes in work and lifestyle routines.
Respondents from the UK said this was a bigger issue than people from other countries, with 46% of people in the UK saying lifestyle changes had a negative impact on their tinnitus compared to 29% in North America.
Internal concerns such as fear of catching COVID-19, financial worries, loneliness and difficulty sleeping have contributed to making tinnitus more annoying for an overall 32% of people, including external factors such as increased video calls, noisy home environment, homeschooling and increased coffee. And alcohol consumption has also been cited by respondents. Tinnitus felt significantly more tedious during epidemics in women and those under 50 years of age.
The study noted that in addition to increasing the severity of tinnitus symptoms, the Covid-19 epidemic has also made it more difficult for people to access healthcare support for the condition. This can increase emotional distress and worsen tinnitus symptoms, creating a vicious cycle. Prior to COVID-19, 8 out of 10 patients in the UK were unhappy with the treatment options available from their healthcare professional.
Lead author of the research fellows at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge, England, and Lamar University, Texas. Aldre Bucks said: “The findings of this study shed light on how tinnitus is experienced and how both internal factors, such as the two internal factors, are linked. This is because increased discomfort and feelings of loneliness and external factors, such as changes in the daily routine, can have a significant effect on the condition.
“Some of the changes brought about by COVID-19 appear to have had a negative impact on the lives of people with tinnitus, and participants in this study noted that COVID-19 symptoms are getting worse or, in some cases, the onset of tinnitus and hearing loss. This is something that needs to be closely monitored by both clinical and support services. “
David Stockdale, chief executive of the British Tinnitus Association and co-author of the study, said: Don’t look for mistakes like before.
“Poor treatment of tinnitus in the early stages often leads to worse cases and acute tinnitus can have a huge impact on mental health. With this in mind, catching a second wave of COVID-19, the healthcare system needs to ensure that anyone who develops tinnitus or experiences a deteriorating condition in their condition can access professional healthcare support as quickly as possible. “
Ref: 5 November 2020, Frontiers in Public Health.
DOI: 10.3389 / fpubh.2020.592878
