Link between COVID-19 and hearing loss in young people discovered

The researchers investigated the potential association between COVID-19 and hearing loss (HL) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in adults aged 20 to 39. They found that young adults with COVID-19 had a significantly higher risk of hearing loss and SSNHL compared to those without COVID-19.

The team analyzed data from 6.7 million adults aged 20 to 39 with no family history of hearing loss, from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the National Health Insurance Service for COVID-19, from January 2020 to December 2022.

49.0% of participants were male, 72.0% had COVID-19, and 93.1% had initially completed the primary COVID-19 vaccination series.

“Recent case reports have documented hearing loss in young adults with no prior hearing problems after COVID-19 infection, suggesting that hearing problems among young adults have emerged as a new public health problem following the COVID-19 pandemic,” the study authors wrote. “Hearing loss in young adults can significantly impact their quality of life, academic and occupational performance, and social functioning.”

There were 38,269 cases of hearing loss and 5,908 cases of sensorineural hearing loss during the study period.

The researchers found that the incidence of hearing loss was 11.9 per 10,000 person-months in the COVID-19 group, three times higher than in the non-COVID-19 group. Similarly, they found that the incidence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss was three times higher in the COVID-19 group.

Analyses revealed the highest risk of hearing loss in young adults with diabetes, and the highest risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in those with diabetes and dyslipidemia. No significant interaction with COVID-19 vaccination status was found.

Theories speculate about the mechanisms behind the observed association between COVID-19 and hearing loss and sudden sensorineural hearing loss. One such mechanism may be direct damage to inner ear tissue by the virus.

In addition, SARS-CoV-2 may persist in the middle ear, contributing to hearing loss. The virus binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors in ear tissue, potentially affecting hearing. Furthermore, microvascular damage and inflammation caused by the virus may affect cochlear function, while abnormal immune responses and oxidative stress in the inner ear may further contribute to hearing problems. However, further research is needed to confirm these potential mechanisms.

Source: news-medical