Possibility of Hearing Loss as a Long-Term Effect of COVID-19 Raised in England

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] A report from the UK has suggested the possibility of hearing loss as a sequela of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 14th (local time), according to foreign media including The Guardian, a research team from University College London introduced a 45-year-old male patient who experienced hearing loss after COVID-19 in a case report published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). The man, who had asthma, received oxygen therapy in the intensive care unit and was also administered the antiviral drug Remdesivir and intravenous steroid injections.

After a week, upon leaving the ICU, the man experienced tinnitus and hearing loss in his left ear. Tests confirmed sensorineural hearing loss. He had no prior issues related to hearing such as eardrum problems, nor any history of influenza or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The patient partially recovered his hearing through steroid treatment.

Professor Stefania Cumpa, co-author of the report, speculated that "the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, can enter the inner ear and destroy cells, and either because of this or separately, it can spread cytokines?substances that cause inflammation?throughout the body."

Meanwhile, reports of hearing loss following COVID-19 have also been documented in other countries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.