Covid-19 coronavirus causes many persistent complications, but British scientists say they have discovered another. As it seems, in addition to the smell and taste that are affected early in its course, also affects hearing.
Scientists asked about it 121 British patients, who had been hospitalized with the infection caused by the new coronavirus. The doctors contacted them eight weeks after their discharge from the hospital. As they found out, Almost one in eight reported that the coronavirus had affected their hearing.
In fact, the 16 from them (rate 13,2%) they said their hearing had deteriorated after their illness. Eight patients said that their hearing had decreased and eight others that they had tinnitus (hum and rattle). Tinnitus is a sound that the patient "hears", but do not come from an external source.
«We know that some viruses, such as measles, mumps and meningitis, may cause hearing loss», said lead researcher Dr Kevin Munro, Professor of Acoustics at the University of Manchester.
«We also know that coronaviruses can cause damage to nerves that carry information to and from the brain. Ενδέχεται ακόμα ο νέος κορωνοϊός να δημιουργεί προβλήματα σε διάφορα τμήματα του ακουστικού συστήματος, such as the middle ear or the screw».
Acoustic neuropathy
The coronavirus, he continued, could cause auditory neuropathy. Cat’ her, the screw works though, but the transmission of messages along the auditory nerve is disrupted. People with acoustic neuropathy have difficulty hearing when there is ambient noise, as in a pub.
Acoustic neuropathy is also associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome. This syndrome has been associated with Covid-19 disease. However, further research is needed to determine exactly how the coronavirus affects hearing, added Dr Munro. That too, because various factors may contribute to its disorder, such as:
- Stress and anxiety from the battle with the virus in the coronavirus
- Some medicines given to patients in the hospital
- The use of a mask that makes communication difficult’ throughout the hospital stay
- Other factors associated with very serious illness
Researchers say more detailed studies are needed as a matter of urgency. That too, because hearing problems that patients experience may need urgent treatment.
The new study published in the medical journal International Journal of Audiology.
Source:iatropedia.gr
