Can COVID Cause Hearing Loss?

COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, is best known for causing symptoms like cough, sore throat, and congestion. But this highly contagious virus is also well known for causing some unusual symptoms. There’s evidence that people can develop inner ear issues after having COVID, including hearing loss. Here’s what to know about how COVID can affect your hearing. 

Does COVID cause hearing loss?

Yes, there’s growing evidence that people can develop hearing loss after a COVID illness. 

Researchers are still learning why this happens, but they think it may be related to several issues, such as stress related to the illness and medication side effects.

Direct damage to the inner ear

The COVID virus can sometimes attack the inner ear. This causes inflammation and damage to these structures. Damage can affect your hearing and cause other symptoms like tinnitus (ear ringing) and dizziness.

COVID-related stress

Many people who get sick with COVID experience only mild symptoms. But some people develop serious COVID illness and need care in the hospital. 

Serious COVID illness puts stress on your entire body. There’s some evidence that the COVID virus can lower blood flow to parts of the body. Low blood flow and widespread inflammation can cause damage to any part of the body, including the inner ear. 

Side effects from medications

People with severe COVID illness may need to take several medications to help them recover. Some of these medications may treat the infection. Others may help treat complications from  COVID illness, like bacterial infections. While these medications can be lifesaving, some have been linked to hearing damage. 

How common is hearing loss from COVID?

It’s not clear how many people experience hearing loss after a COVID illness. In one study, 14% of participants reported changes in hearing after a COVID illness. Other studies have reported rates from 5% to 10%.

Researchers may never know how often COVID causes hearing loss. That’s because some people may experience only a mild hearing loss and not notice it. Or they might notice a mild change but not bring it up to their healthcare team.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• It’s easy to miss mild hearing loss: Here’s how one woman realized she had early hearing loss. 

• COVID-19 and the inner ear: You can develop other inner ear symptoms from COVID. Here’s what to do if you’re experiencing COVID-related dizziness.

• Keep your hearing healthy: Our hearing center has the resources you need.

Researchers are encouraging healthcare professionals to offer hearing tests to people who’ve recently recovered from a COVID illness. Hearing screens can help identify hearing loss so people can get treatment. Consider asking your healthcare team for a hearing test at your next appointment if you’ve recently had COVID.

What are the symptoms of COVID-related hearing loss?

COVID-related hearing loss symptoms can vary from person to person. People can experience:

• Mild hearing loss in one or both ears

• Moderate to severe hearing loss in one or both ears

• Ringing or buzzing in one or both ears

• Pressure or ear fullness in one or both ears

• Dizziness

• Vertigo

Dizziness and vertigo develop because of damage to the inner-ear structures. It’s possible to develop one or both of these symptoms with a COVID illness even if you don’t have hearing changes.

Is hearing loss from COVID permanent?

Some people recover their hearing after a COVID illness. In studies, this took anywhere from one to several weeks. But some people continued to have hearing loss over time. 

It’s not clear who is most likely to develop permanent hearing loss from a COVID illness. It’s important to get your hearing checked on a regular basis if you have hearing loss. This can help identify if your hearing loss is getting worse. 

Can you prevent hearing loss from COVID?

It’s not clear if hearing loss from COVID can be completely prevented. But there are steps you can take to lower your risk, including:

• Get vaccinated: Staying up to date with COVID vaccines can lower your risk of developing a severe COVID illness. This, in turn, can lower your risk of complications, like hearing loss.

• Avoid harmful medications: Talk with your healthcare team about your current medications. They can help you identify any medications that may cause harm to your hearing. They may also be able to suggest alternatives. You can also ask your team about whether any treatments you receive during your COVID illness can affect your hearing.

• Get your hearing checked: Ask your healthcare team about hearing screening during and after your COVID illness. While this won’t prevent hearing loss, it can help you pick it up early so you can start treatment. It will also help you and your healthcare team take a proactive approach so you can avoid anything else that can harm your hearing like medications and loud noises.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Tracy Norfleet, MD, FACP

Dr. Tracy Norfleet is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician, health expert, and physician leader with over 20 years of experience practicing adult medicine. Dual-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Tracy possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in both traditional medical practices and innovative lifestyle interventions for chronic disease management and reversal.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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