In:
Journal of Hearing Science, Institute of Sensory Organs, Vol. 12, No. 4 ( 2022-12-29), p. 19-25
Abstract:
The effect of SARS-CoV-2 on hearing has not been thoroughly examined. Factors limiting hearing tests in COVID-19 patients are hygiene requirements and the need to use specialized equipment. The objective of the study was to assess changes in hearing thresholds between diagnosis of COVID-19 and convalescence using a mobile app. Material and methods Patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms, who were isolating at home were enrolled in the study between 1 September 2020 and 31 January 2021. Subjects answered an online medical survey and self-assessed hearing thresholds using the Hearing Test 〈 sup 〉 TM 〈 /sup 〉 mobile app (e-audiologia.pl). These procedures were done twice, once at the time of diagnosis and again 2 weeks after convalescence. Results A total of 67 subjects were found eligible for the study. At most frequencies the patients’ hearing did not differ between the first and second examinations; however, for 4 kHz, a statistically significant improvement in the hearing threshold was found ( 〈 i 〉 p 〈 /i 〉 = 0.05). Survey review revealed noticeable improvement ( 〈 i 〉 p 〈 /i 〉 = 0.001) over time in smell, taste, and nasal congestion. Conclusions It seems that SARS-CoV-2 infection caused a transient and selective (at 4 kHz) hearing impairment in patients who had had mild to moderate infection. The results suggest that as olfactory function returns after COVID-19, an improvement in hearing can be expected.
Solutions based on mobile technology are useful for monitoring the hearing of patients in a pandemic.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2083-389X
,
2084-3127
DOI:
10.17430/JHS.2022.12.4.2
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
Institute of Sensory Organs
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2713445-3
