A UK research study published in March 2021 link here found lingering hearing and balance issues among COVID-19 patients who had been hospitalized, even after completing their hospital stay. The UK research adds to the scientific evidence that there is an association between COVID-19 and hearing problems, but the evidence isn’t conclusive. Research data underlying the UK conclusions were primarily self-reported or came from medical records. Diagnostic hearing exams would have provided more reliable data to improve the quality of the research.
Earlier this week, Dr. Sugata Bhattacharjee wrote about developments since the publication of the UK research here. “Our knowledge of the audio-vestibular system continues to grow alongside our understanding of COVID-19…. [W]e continue to live with this virus, we will be able to mitigate the negative consequences. Through determination and resilience, we can learn and cope together.