Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 24, 2025

Cryosectioning and Immunostaining Mouse Inner Ear Tissue: From Embryonic to Adult Stages
09:09

Cryosectioning and Immunostaining Mouse Inner Ear Tissue: From Embryonic to Adult Stages

Published on: April 11, 2025

876

Four cases of audio-vestibular disorders related to immunisation with SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines

Pierre Ekobena1, Laura E Rothuizen1, Francesca Bedussi2

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Service of Clinical Pharmacology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.

International Journal of Audiology
|May 5, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Four patients experienced temporary audio-vestibular issues, including hearing loss, after receiving severe acute respiratory coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccines. These rare events were transient and should not impede vaccination efforts.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Severe acute respiratory coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) have been widely adopted.
  • Understanding potential adverse events, particularly otolaryngologic manifestations, is crucial for vaccine safety monitoring.

Observation:

  • This study describes four cases of transient audio-vestibular symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.
  • Symptoms included unilateral hearing loss, which partially or fully resolved.
  • Two cases also presented with persistent gait instability lasting up to seven months.

Findings:

  • The exact mechanisms triggering these audio-vestibular symptoms remain unclear.
  • Potential involvement of immune tolerance mechanisms and off-target T-lymphocyte activation is hypothesized.
  • These rare adverse events appear to be temporary.

Implications:

  • Otolaryngology (ENT) monitoring is recommended for patients experiencing audio-vestibular symptoms post-vaccination.
  • The transient nature of these symptoms should not discourage widespread SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise causal links and underlying pathophysiology.
Keywords:
Adverse eventCOVID-19 mRNA vaccineshearing lossimmunisationsensorineuralvestibular neuritis

More Related Videos

Three Dimensional Vestibular Ocular Reflex Testing Using a Six Degrees of Freedom Motion Platform10:12

Three Dimensional Vestibular Ocular Reflex Testing Using a Six Degrees of Freedom Motion Platform

Published on: May 23, 2013

16.0K
Semi-Automated Analysis of Peak Amplitude and Latency for Auditory Brainstem Response Waveforms Using R06:01

Semi-Automated Analysis of Peak Amplitude and Latency for Auditory Brainstem Response Waveforms Using R

Published on: December 9, 2022

2.6K

Related Concept Videos

Equilibrium and Balance01:15

Equilibrium and Balance

The inner ear assumes dual functionalities of auditory perception and equilibrium maintenance. The vestibule is the organ responsible for balance. This organ contains mechanoreceptors, specifically hair cells, endowed with stereocilia, which aid in deciphering information regarding the position and motion of our heads. Two intrinsic components, the utricle and saccule, help perceive head position, while the semicircular canals track head movement. Neurological messages initiated in the...
5.1K
The Vestibular System01:29

The Vestibular System

The vestibular system is a set of inner ear structures that provide a sense of balance and spatial orientation. This system is comprised of structures within the labyrinth of the inner ear, including the cochlea and two otolith organs—the utricle and saccule. The labyrinth also contains three semicircular canals—superior, posterior, and horizontal—that are oriented on different planes.
40.3K
Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
45.4K