Hearing function in children after new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)

Abstract

To evaluate hearing function in children after coronavirus infection. 87 children aged from 5 months to 17 years who have had a new coronavirus infection were examined in three cities of Russia (St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk and Surgut). Audiologic examination depended on the age and included: otoscopy, TEOAE and DPOAE, ABR, impedansometry, pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry in quiet and noise. Fisher, LittlEARS and PEACH questionnaires were used as well. An evaluation of central auditory processing was performed in case of indications. In 80 children (92%) otoscopy didn't revealed any problems. All children had type A tympanogram. Acoustic reflex was registered in 49 children (56%), wasn't registered on 1-2 frequencies in 27 (31%) children, was registered on only 1 frequency or wasn't registered at all in 11 (13%) children. OAE was present in 83 (95%) children. Audiometric thresholds in all children were within a normal range. Speech intelligibility in quiet and noise in most cases was normal. 7 children with poor speech intelligibility or low Fisher questionnaire results got an extended examination. Binaural fusion speech test, dichotic test, RuMatrix test, gap detection test data showed no signs of central auditory processing disorders. There are no cases of hearing loss or central auditory processing disorders were found in children after new coronavirus infection. Due to variety of symptoms and long-term consequences of COVID-19 further hearing examination is required in this group of patients.