Sensorineural Hearing Loss Post-COVID-19 Infection: An Update

oleh: Virginia Fancello, Giuseppe Fancello, Stavros Hatzopoulos, Chiara Bianchini, Francesco Stomeo, Stefano Pelucchi, Andrea Ciorba

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2022-06-01

Deskripsi

The course of COVID-19 infection may be complicated by a variety of neurological manifestations. Since the inner ear is vulnerable to viruses, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) has been reported to occur following the SARS-CoV-2 infection, often resulting in long-term morbidity and worsening the quality of life. The interest in how the virus affects the inner ear has gradually increased since the pandemic’s spread, but little is still known about the SNHL potentially caused by SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the possible association between SNHL and COVID-19 infection, through a systematic literature review. Currently available data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may hamper cochlear function; however, available reports are still limited. Large cohort and prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term effects of this viral infection in the inner ear.