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A trend of otologic diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic period

Hye Ah Joo1, Byung Chul Kang2, Tae Su Kim3

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|February 3, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic led to fewer cases of otitis media with effusion (OME) due to social restrictions, but cases surged post-pandemic. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) incidence increased during the pandemic, with potential links to COVID-19 or vaccination.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Disease

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered medical practices globally.
  • Anti-contagion measures were widely implemented, impacting various health conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the annual incidence trends of otologic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To assess the effect of social restrictions on otologic disease incidence.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of otologic disease patient data from three South Korean tertiary referral centers.
  • Analysis focused on infectious pathophysiology-related otologic conditions and overall patient numbers.

Main Results:

  • Ventilation tube insertions for otitis media with effusion (OME) decreased significantly during the pandemic but sharply increased in 2023.
  • A gradual rise in new sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) diagnoses was observed throughout the pandemic period.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 containment measures effectively reduced OME incidence.
  • The relationship between COVID-19 and SSNHL requires further investigation, with potential auditory system impacts from the virus or vaccine noted.
Abstract

Keywords:
Bell’s palsyCOVID-19otitis mediapreauricular fistulasudden sensorineural hearing loss

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