Can Covid Increase the Risk of Hearing Loss in Young Adults?

Hearing loss is often associated with the process of aging, and most people don’t expect to experience any hearing impairment until they reach a certain age. However, a recent study suggests that covid can be associated with increasing risks of hearing loss in young adults, which raises awareness about the fact the elderly are not the only group of people who are prone to develop hearing issues.

The Relation Between Covid and Increased Risk of Hearing Loss

Michelle Suh, one of the authors of the study published in the Lancet’s eClinicalMedicine journal, was intrigued when she saw that there was a considerable increase in cases of young people with hearing problems at the outpatient clinic of the Jeju National University Hospital in South Korea.

The researchers then conducted a study focused on analyzing the records of hospital records in South Korea. The idea was to compare hearing loss cases among young adults between those who had been infected with covid and those who weren`t. Surprisingly, the study quickly showed that the incidence of hearing loss was more than 3 times higher among those who had tested positive for covid, suggesting that there could be a relation between the virus and higher risks of developing hearing impairments.

University of Manchester’s professor Kevin Munro, however, is more cautious with the findings of the recent study. He says that even though there may be a relation between patients tested positive for covid and hearing loss, the study itself cannot establish causation. He points out that individuals seeking a covid diagnosis are more likely to have their hearing checked. This could mean that there could be a considerable number of people with hearing conditions who won’t necessarily seek medical help, which could render the study inconclusive.

Covid Wouldn’t be The First Virus Affecting the Auditory System

Though we can’t say for sure that those infected with covid are more likely to develop hearing loss, it is important to understand that viruses are known for being able to affect our auditory system. Munro reminds us that viral diseases such as mumps, measles and even meningitis can cause a wide variety of hearing problems. Therefore, it wouldn’t be impossible for covid to be another viral condition affecting our ears.

Known Causes of Hearing Loss

Until we know for sure whether covid can contribute to the development of hearing loss, specialists suggest that you be attentive to other factors that can contribute to hearing impairment. Some of them include:

• Head Injury
• Exposure to Loud Noises
• Genetic Factors
• Natural Aging
• Ototoxic Medications
• Certain Illnesses

Your Choice for Hearing Care in Calgary

If you think you may be dealing with hearing difficulties, we strongly recommend that you schedule hearing tests with a professional. At Soundwave Hearing Care, we count on an experienced team of specialists who can provide you with the necessary tests and assessments you need for a reliable diagnosis. Don’t hesitate to give us a call and let us be your partner in your journey toward optimal hearing health. Reach out to us.