Can COVID-19 affect your hearing? Tips to keep your ears clean and safe during a pandemic

Can COVID-19 affect your hearing? Tips to Keep Your Ears Clean and Safe During a Pandemic and Photo Credit: & nbspi Stock Images

To mark

• The new coronavirus has been shown to affect all vital organs in the body such as the heart, kidneys, liver, etc.

• COVID-19 can also cause permanent hearing loss in some cases, according to a recent study

• Learn how the pandemic indirectly affected the ears and what you can do to prevent damage to that important sensory organ.

New Delhi: COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, is known to damage all vital organs in the body, contrary to the initial belief that the virus only affects the lungs. Evidence has been found of the virus' ability to affect the heart, kidneys, liver and other organs. At the same time, sensory organs such as the nose, mouth and even eyes are referred to as entry points for the coronavirus into the body. However, people thought that the ears might be safe from the dangers of the virus, but some studies are now showing that even the sensory sound organ may be affected due to a viral disease, if only in rare cases.

According to a study recently reported by the PTI news agency, infection with the new coronavirus can lead to sudden and permanent hearing loss in some patients. However, the incidence is low. The study is the first case report linking the debilitating condition to COVID-19 in the UK.

In rare cases, COVID-19 can cause sudden and permanent hearing loss

According to researchers at University College London, knowing about these potential side effects is extremely important as prompt treatment can help reduce the effects and reverse disability.

The researchers also said the cause was unclear and a similar condition could sometimes be due to other viral infections like the flu or herpes.

The research was published in the journal BMJ Case Reports . He described the case of a 45-year-old man with asthma who was treated at the Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital in the UK after suffering a hearing loss in one ear during treatment for COVID. -19.

The patient noted ringing in his left ear followed by sudden hearing loss the week after leaving the intensive care unit, where he was being treated for his severe COVID-19 symptoms.

The patient had no pre-existing health problems other than asthma and had no previous hearing problems. No ear congestion or swelling was diagnosed, but she had lost hearing significantly during her left year.

How the pandemic affected our hearing

Although the ears are fortunately not affected by the coronavirus, there is collateral damage to the sensory organs that needs to be considered. The ears are perhaps the most overlooked right now, as people are already looking to increased immunity, eye health, and the effects of extended screen time in the distance and are trying to slow down the grip. Weight loss due to inactivity and control of health parameters such as blood sugar and blood pressure. Dr. Savyasachi Saxena, HOD and Senior Consultant - ENT, Fortis Hospital, Noida , explains: "An indirect side effect of the Covid Times is that many people have to work online with headsets. Students also take online courses. The main concern with headphones is not just the high volume, but also the length of time the headphones are used. They can also be the source of ear infections as they are kept in places where germs can easily accumulate. ""

Some of the harmful ways headphones can affect our ears are:

• Hearing loss from noise
• Tinnitus
• dizziness
• Ear infection
• Excessive ear wax
• Pain in the ears
• Effect on the brain

How can you protect your ears during the pandemic?

In taking care of the rest of the body, we also need to understand the importance of keeping our ears clean, healthy, and safe during the pandemic. Dr. Saxena gives some tips on how to protect your ears.

• Follow the 60/60 rule. Listen with headphones at a maximum volume of 60% for up to 60 minutes a day.
• Wear earplugs when you hear loud noises.
• Give your ears time to relax.
• Stop using cotton swabs in your ears.
• Get up and move.

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Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions in the article are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always ask your doctor or health care professional if you have specific questions about a medical problem.

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