Izvorni znanstveni članak

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2023.62.01.11

Does Audiovestibular Post-COVID Syndrome Exist?

Marisa Klančnik ; Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Split University Hospital Center, Split, Croatia
Petar Ivanišević ; Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Split University Hospital Center, Split, Croatia
Nikolina Golec ; Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Split University Hospital Center, Split, Croatia
Marta Zrinka Vučemilović ; Sunset Medical Care, General Practice, Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA

Sažetak

The purpose of this study was to present and analyze patients with audiovestibular
post COVID-19 syndrome, and highlight the most characteristic and most common findings. We
analyzed 87 patients aged between 20 and 86 years who presented to the Audiology Division between
February 1, 2021 and July 1, 2021 after having been isolated due to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Study
patients presented with complaints of persistent hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo, lasting for more than
3 months. Study results showed that there was acute sensorineural hearing loss in 4 patients during the
SARS-CoV-2 infection. None of the patients experienced complete hearing recovery after 3 months.
High frequency hearing loss (at 4 kHz and 6 kHz) occurred bilaterally, and was found in 52 patients.
This finding of gradual hearing loss was both the most characteristic and most common in COVID patients.
Extensive damage can directly occur to inner ear structures, including hair cells, the Corti organ,
and the cochlear nerve because of this viral infection. A total of 73 patients had tinnitus. 68 patients had
unilateral tinnitus, and only 5 patients had bilateral tinnitus. Exacerbation of tinnitus was recorded in 12
patients and new-onset tinnitus in 61 patients. Vertigo occurred in 9 patients, all of which were new-onset.
A conclusion of our research is that audiovestibular post-COVID syndrome does exist. Further
research with more patients and over a longer period is needed to obtain a better and longer effect on
the audiovestibular system and audiovestibular complications, as well as an insight into possible recovery.

Ključne riječi

SARS-CoV-2 infection; Audiology; Post-COVID symptoms; Hearing loss; Vertigo

Hrčak ID:

307170

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/307170

Datum izdavanja:

1.4.2023.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

Posjeta: 420 *