COVID-19-related sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Audiology

Background:

• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an emerging symptom of COVID-19.
• Limited literature exists on the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19-related SSNHL.
• This study investigates SSNHL in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients in Iraq.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the socio-clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with SSNHL.
• To assess the treatment outcomes of SSNHL in COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive study conducted at Tikrit General Hospital, Iraq (December 2020 - June 2021).
• Included mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients confirmed by RT-PCR.
• Recorded demographic, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes following steroid protocols.

Main Results:

• SSNHL occurred in 26 patients; 76.9% were women, 76.9% were ≥30 years old.
• Bilateral SSNHL (18/26) was more frequent than unilateral (8/26), with moderate severity in most cases.
• Tinnitus (25/26) and anosmia (6/26) were the most common symptoms. Steroid treatment resulted in partial improvement in 50% of cases.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19-related SSNHL commonly presents bilaterally within one week of onset, often accompanied by tinnitus.
• Steroid therapy led to partial hearing improvement in half of the affected ears.
• Treatment outcomes were not significantly influenced by the duration, side, or severity of SSNHL.