Even mild Covid infection can cause sudden hearing loss

People who suffer from mild Covid-19 infection could be at risk of sudden deafness and hearing loss, according to a study.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) - also known as sudden deafness - is a little-known and poorly understood side effect of Covid-19 that is not even listed as a common symptom by doctors, said Kim Gibson, a fully vaccinated nursing lecturer at the University of South Australia.

Gibson, a registered nurse with a clinical background in neonatal intensive care, developed acute hearing loss in one ear, along with vertigo and tinnitus five weeks after experiencing a mild Covid infection in 2022.

Her experience is published in the British Medical Journal Case Reports.

"My experience shows that even people who have a minor Covid-19 infection could be at risk of potentially permanent and debilitating long-term effects. High quality, person-centred care is so critical."

Previous studies have linked SSNHL with Covid-19, as well as a potential side effect of Covid vaccination, but the evidence is still limited, Gibson said.

Gibson said that despite working in health education, she was not aware of Covid-19 causing hearing loss, 2023 Medical Daily reported.

"This was a shocking experience for me that had a significant impact on my quality of life for several months as I had never had any problems with hearing before; not even an ear infection.

"I was unable to drive a car while experiencing severe vertigo. I needed to reduce my workload, negotiate flexible working hours with my employers and take a leave of absence from study. This was all due to a mild Covid-19 infection.

"I was worried that the hearing loss would be permanent and that I would need a hearing aid. I now feel very nervous about a second Covid-19 infection. What if I experience this again, or even worse?"

According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, sudden sensorineural hearing loss - also known as sudden deafness - occurs when you lose your hearing very quickly, typically only in one ear.

It can happen instantly or over a span of several days. People can experience mild hearing impairment or total loss of hearing and it may be temporary or permanent.

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