Does infection with the Covid-19 virus also affect hearing?

Introduction Covid-19 infections often lead to odour (33-98%), and taste (50%) disorders. In 1-3%, the patients declare a hearing loss. Studies in asymptomatic, PCR-positive patients showed a significant hearing loss in the high frequency range. The aim of our follow-up study is to objectify a possible hearing loss in patients tested positive for Covid-19 and to follow it over time. Methods The following tests will be done within the study: ENT examination, audiometry, TPOAE and DPOAE, ERA and ASSR. As a control group, we used ISO 7029:2017 for normal hearing. The examinations are performed after 1, 3 and 6 months after the initial presentation. Results So far 48 patients have been included in the study. In the preliminary analysis, 12 patients reported a subjective hearing loss due to Covid-19 infection. In two patients deafness could be verified. The air conduction threshold (0.25-6kHz) is significantly worse on both sides than in normal hearing patients (p<0.05);especially in the high frequency range (≥4kHz). In the ASSR, a significantly higher threshold for 0.5;1 and 2kHz (p<0.05) was found compared to the normal values. In stimulation with 4kHz only the threshold on the left is higher, on the right a significance is missed. Conclusion In our preliminary analysis, 25% of patients reported subjective new hearing loss. Objectively, a significant hearing loss in the high frequency range on both sides was found. This could be related to the Covid-19 infection. Thus, a hearing loss due to a Covid-19 infection should be considered and further diagnostics and therapy should be initiated.

Deafness after COVID-19?

This article presents a case of sudden bilateral deafness in the context of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection and resultant coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). After treatment in the intensive care unit for acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute kidney failure, hearing ability had drastically changed. While hearing had been subjectively normal before the infection, deafness was now measured on the left and profound hearing loss on the right ear. The patient was treated with cochlea implants on the left and a hearing aid in the right ear. The hearing loss is most likely a complication of COVID-19.

[Deafness after COVID-19? German version]. / Ertaubung nach COVID-19?

This article presents a case of sudden bilateral deafness in the context of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection and resultant coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). After treatment in the intensive care unit for acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute kidney failure, hearing ability had drastically changed. While hearing had been subjectively normal before the infection, deafness was now measured on the left and profound hearing loss on the right ear. The patient was treated with cochlea implants on the left and a hearing aid in the right ear. The hearing loss is most likely a complication of COVID-19.

Quality of cochlear implant rehabilitation under COVID-19 conditions.

BACKGROUND: The rehabilitation process following cochlear implant (CI) surgery is carried out in a multimodal therapy according to German national guidelines and includes technical and medical aftercare. In times of the corona pandemic surgery and rehabilitation appointments were cancelled or delayed leading to a more difficult access to auditory rehabilitation. Newly implemented hygiene modalities due to the SARS-CoV­2 pandemic have changed medical aftercare and the rehabilitation process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of rehabilitation under corona conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An anonymous survey of adult cochlear implant patients was carried out by a non-standardized questionnaire. Demographics were analyzed and the quality of medical aftercare, speech therapy, technical aftercare, psychological support and the hygiene modalities were compared to previous rehabilitation stays. RESULTS: In total 109 patients completed the questionnaire. The quality of rehabilitation and individual therapy were rated as qualitatively similar or improved. The threat of the pandemic and fear of corona were rated unexpectedly high with 68% and 50%, respectively. The hygiene measures during the rehabilitation stay eased subjective fears at the same time. The majority of patients were annoyed by wearing face masks but visors, protection shields and social distancing were more tolerated. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the new hygiene modalities within the therapeutic rehabilitation setting was well-accepted by patients allowing access to auditory rehabilitation. A successful rehabilitation should ensure a fear-free environment by adhering to the necessary hygiene modalities.