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Within months of the coronavirus spreading around the world, international researchers have identified specific symptoms and their link to various conditions and diseases. In a recent study, researchers found a link between Covid-19 and a hearing-related symptom called tinnitus.
International researchers led by Anglia Ruskin University published their findings in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, describing how tinnitus has changed during the pandemic. The team analyzed patients with pre-existing tinnitus and cases in which the coronavirus initiated the ear problem.
According to the Mayo Clinic, tinnitus is not a condition, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition, such as hearing loss or an injury to the ear. People with tinnitus experience an uncomfortable sensation from hearing sounds in the ears, such as a ringing, buzzing or clicking.
Tinnitus affects up to 20% of people and is generally not a health problem unless it is related to an underlying condition, such as a circulatory system disorder. Phantom noise may be heard occasionally or be present continuously.
Tinnitus during the pandemic
The study involved 3,103 people in 48 countries. The team found that 40% of people had coronavirus symptoms while their tinnitus worsened.
The researchers initially focused on people with pre-existing tinnitus, but found that seven people only developed tinnitus after testing positive for coronavirus. The results also suggested that tinnitus may be a symptom of long-distance carriers or those with prolonged symptoms of the virus.
In the UK, tinnitus affects almost one in eight adults. These cases are also related to depression, anxiety and other emotional disorders. Meanwhile, in the United States, about 29% responded that the pandemic negatively affected their tinnitus.
One of the common causes of tinnitus is damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, which affects the pressure of sound waves. It can also be triggered by nerve damage from chronic diseases.
A percentage of people who completed the online survey, consisting of 60 questions, reported that their tinnitus worsened after social distancing measures were implemented. Physical distancing drastically affected people’s lifestyles and work routines.
Read also: 45-year-old man who suddenly became deaf due to COVID-19
The need for health support
There are several factors associated with the general tendency for tinnitus to get worse, such as increased depression and anxiety, trouble sleeping, more online meetings, and noisy home environments. Furthermore, those with chronic tinnitus due to underlying conditions were less likely to seek treatment during the pandemic, while 80% of patients in the UK were already dissatisfied with available pre-pandemic tinnitus treatment.
Dr. Eldre Beukes said the pandemic has adversely affected people with tinnitus, especially those with coronavirus symptoms, leading to worsening conditions and even hearing loss. David Stockdale of the British Tinnitus Association said that poor treatment during the early stages of tinnitus could lead to serious conditions that could affect mental health. The health care system must develop a way for people with tinnitus or hearing problems to access professional health care.
Also read: The Future of NANO Hearing Aids: What the Research Says
Check out more tinnitus news and information at Science Times.
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