Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2026.65.01.10

Pure-Tone Audiometry and Vestibulometry Characteristics in Post-COVID Patients

Tina Tokić ; Department of Family Medicine, Split-Dalmatia County Health Center, Split, Croatia
Petar Ivanišević ; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Split University Hospital Center, Split, Croatia *
Marisa Klančnik ; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Split University Hospital Center, Split, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the specifics of audiovestibular symptoms
and pure-tone audiometry and vestibulometry findings in post-COVID
patients. This was a retrospective study including 136 subjects with audiovestibular
post-COVID. All subjects underwent pure-tone audiometry and those
with vertigo underwent vestibulometry. In the group of 136 subjects, the most
common audiologic symptoms were new-onset (χ2=42; p<0.001) and bilateral
(χ2=29.7; p<0.001) tinnitus, and gradual (χ2=55.5; p<0.001) and bilateral (χ2=22.8;
p<0.001) hearing loss. In the group of subjects who had vertigo (n=42), benign
paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) was more common (64%). Statistically
significant differences according to tinnitus (χ2=28; p<0.001), side of tinnitus
(χ2=11.4; p=0.023), vertigo (χ2=16.1; p=0.003), hearing loss (χ2=30.9; p<0.001),
and side of hearing loss (χ2=27; p<0.001) were recorded among particular age
groups. The most common loss of individual frequencies was at 4 (59.6%) and
6 (44.8%) kHz. In conclusion, there were statistically significant differences in
audiovestibular symptoms among age groups. The main characteristic and specific
in pure-tone audiometry was bilateral sensorineural hearing loss at high
frequencies of 4 and 6 kHz in patients with gradual hearing loss and new-onset
bilateral tinnitus. In vestibulometry findings, vestibular neuritis and BPPV were
the most common findings.

Keywords

Tinnitus; Hearing loss; Vertigo; Audiovestibular symptoms; Post-COVID; COVID-19 complications

Hrčak ID:

345837

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/345837

Publication date:

27.3.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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