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Otologic dysfunction in patients with COVID-19: A systematic review
Shivesh Maharaj1, Martha Bello Alvarez1, Sheetal Mungul1
1Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa.
Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology
|December 28, 2020
Summary
The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) may cause otologic issues, including middle ear infections and sensorineural hearing loss. This systematic review analyzed seven studies involving 28 patients with COVID-19 and otologic symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has been associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations.
- Otologic symptoms have been anecdotally reported in patients with COVID-19, but a comprehensive understanding is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and describe the otologic dysfunction observed in patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To synthesize available evidence on the relationship between COVID-19 and ear-related symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted using keywords related to otologic/vestibular/audiologic symptoms and COVID-19/coronavirus/SARS-CoV-2.
- Seven articles, including case reports and case series, met the inclusion criteria after screening.
- Data on otologic dysfunction in COVID-19 patients were extracted and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Seven articles comprising 28 patients with SARS-CoV-2 and otologic symptoms were analyzed.
- All patients presented with some form of hearing loss, with 27 undergoing audiometry.
- Three patients reported associated vestibular symptoms such as vertigo, ear pain (otalgia), and tinnitus.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 is implicated as a probable cause of middle ear infections.
- The virus may lead to sensorineural hearing loss due to its spread to the middle ear and associated neural structures.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of otologic involvement in COVID-19.
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