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London, November 6 (IANS): Researchers have revealed that tinnitus, a common condition that causes the perception of noise in the ear and head, is being aggravated by Covid-19, as well as by measures taken to stop its spread.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, involved 3,103 participants from 48 countries, the vast majority from the United Kingdom and the United States.
“We found that 40 percent of those with Covid-19 symptoms simultaneously experience a worsening of their tinnitus,” said the study authors from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in the UK.
Although the study focused on people with pre-existing tinnitus, a small number of participants also reported that their condition was initially triggered by developing Covid-19 symptoms, suggesting that the tinnitus could be a ‘prolonged Covid’ symptom in some cases. .
The study also found that a large proportion of people believe their tinnitus is getting worse because of social distancing measures introduced to help control the spread of the virus.
These measures have led to significant changes in work and lifestyle routines.
UK respondents reported that this is a bigger problem compared to people in other countries, and 46 per cent of UK respondents said that lifestyle changes had negatively affected their tinnitus compared to the 29 percent in North America.
Women and those under 50 years of age found tinnitus significantly more bothersome during the pandemic.
The study noted that in addition to increasing the severity of tinnitus symptoms, the Covid-19 pandemic has also made it difficult for people to access medical care for the condition.
This could further increase emotional distress and worsen tinnitus symptoms, creating a vicious cycle.
The findings highlight the complexities associated with experiencing tinnitus and how both internal factors, such as increased anxiety and feelings of loneliness, and external factors, such as changes in daily routines, 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 reported that Covid-19 symptoms are worsening or in some cases even initiating tinnitus hearing loss, “the researchers wrote.
“This is something that needs to be closely scrutinized by clinical and support services,” they noted.
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