Abstract
Our objective is to identify novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with a diagnosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) with an aim to describe possible mechanisms. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Our search terms included: "Sensorineural Hearing Loss" + "COVID-19" or "Sensorineural Hearing Loss" + "SARS-CoV-2" or "Sensorineural Hearing Loss" + "Coronavirus". Studies that adhered to the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the review. Of the 20 articles identified in the initial search, five met the inclusion criteria. The included articles consisted of four case studies and one letter to the editor, with seven total patients analyzed. All patients were COVID-19 positive and exhibited SSNHL, either unilateral or bilateral. Four patients reported tinnitus and two patients experienced vertigo. One patient was treated with hydroxychloroquine and one patient was treated with a variety of medications. Four patients were treated with intravenous and/or oral steroids intended to treat the SSNHL. The current literature describing SSNHL in COVID-19 patients is insufficient to characterize the pattern of hearing loss or advise about the treatment or outcomes. Future studies require a larger database or population study.
Highlights
BackgroundIn December 2019, there was a report of a series of patients experiencing pneumonia thought to be from the zoonotic transmission of a novel virus related to a large seafood market in China [1]
To be eligible for inclusion in the analysis the following criteria were required: patients must have a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or must have a diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and the articles were peer-reviewed
Studies were excluded if: patients did not have a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by PCR or patient did not have a specific diagnosis of SSNHL
Summary
BackgroundIn December 2019, there was a report of a series of patients experiencing pneumonia thought to be from the zoonotic transmission of a novel virus related to a large seafood market in China [1]. Common clinical symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and fatigue, but many patients remained asymptomatic or experienced atypical symptoms, some of which are detailed in a paper by Stawicki et al [3]. Viral infections have been implicated in the past as etiologic agents for some of these atypical symptoms such as neurological symptoms including hearing loss, anosmia, and facial paralysis [4]. Based on multiple cross-sectional studies, the incidence of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients varies from 33.9% to 68% [4]. In a study by Lechien et al, 12% of patients presented with anosmia as the first symptom [5]. A small number of patients with COVID-19 and symptoms of hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus have been described [7,8,9]. It is imperative that providers be mindful of these rare symptoms to prevent a delay in COVID-19 diagnosis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
