COVID-19 has some unusual symptoms including dampening your sense of smell and taste. We know that one of the first symptoms is loss of smell. But COVID-19 affects more than just your sense of taste and smell. Sensorineural hearing loss is an uncommon and permanent issue according to new findings.

How Can COVID-19 Cause Hearing Loss?

Scientists are learning more about COVID-19 every single day. But we’re truly in the dark in many ways. 2019 is when the virus was first observed. Usually, scientists work for years, if not decades, to completely identify a new pathogen. And COVIC-19 can be particularly challenging because it effects different people in different ways.

You might experience a wide variety of symptoms. And one of those symptoms is permanent hearing loss. Scientists still aren’t sure why that happens. The virus could be triggering a response called “cellular stress”. Certain cells (such as the cells in your ear) will begin to deteriorate, according to this hypothesis, because the virus puts so much strain on the body. But your body’s own immune response may also be responsible for this type of hearing loss. On occasion, your immune system can go into high gear and winds up contributing to significant damage to your body.

Additionally, when other COVID symptoms are going away, this hearing loss can still become apparent. Again, we’re not quite sure why this takes place. Nor do we have a solid understanding of what sort of underlying circumstances would cause COVID-related hearing loss to be more or less likely to occur.

Is There Any Treatment For This Type of Hearing Loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss from COVID-19 can indeed be permanent. There may be some treatment options depending on specific variables. Actually, researchers have noticed already that steroid treatments seem to help preserve your hearing, especially if you get early treatment. It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you experience sudden hearing loss.


There are a few qualifiers to all of this that should be pointed out. Hearing loss, first off, is not a very common COVID symptom. We don’t know yet how prevalent this particular symptom is at this point. But as scientists learn more about COVID-19 the science will change.

Can You Avoid COVID-Induced Hearing Loss?

If you have sudden changes in your hearing and you have COVID-19 get in touch with your doctor and make an appointment for a hearing test with us. An early response might help minimize long-term hearing loss.


This symptom does happen though it’s rare. And you will be a lot better off with more knowledge about hearing loss and COIVID. It’s a good choice to come in for a test if you think you have suffered hearing damage.

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