Auditory system and COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic that emerged in 2020 may affect the peripheral and central auditory system. According to studies in the literature, symptoms affecting the vestibulocochlear system such as sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular neuritis are seen in individuals with COVID -19. While viral pathogens directly affect the structures that supply blood and nutrition to the inner ear, such as the stria vascularis, they can indirectly cause hearing disorders by damaging the immune system. Depending on the affected anatomical region, different symptoms can be observed in individuals. For this reason, post-disease audiological evaluations should be made for individuals with COVID-19. Annual follow-up of these individuals should be added to clinical procedures so that long-acting effects are not overlooked.