Tinnitus, hearing loss after recovering from Covid

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thi Bich Dao, Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, said that many people have tinnitus on one or both sides, not life-threatening but uncomfortable, quality deterioration. living. Tinnitus and hearing loss also make other neurological symptoms worse, such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, loss of taste and smell…

According to some studies, nearly 8% of people with Covid have hearing loss, nearly 15% have tinnitus and more than 7% have dizziness, nearly 4% have all three signs above. It is caused by a virus that stimulates the body’s protective cells to produce a storm of cytokines (inflammatory factors) that cause autoimmune reactions that damage the endothelium of the cochlea and the semicircular canals. The virus also affects the vestibular and auditory nerves directly, disrupting the conduction pathway from the periphery, causing inflammation.

Tinnitus can also be caused by stress and depression related to social isolation or the use of certain drugs in the treatment of Covid, especially intravenous drugs.

To overcome this situation, the patient needs to see an ENT specialist to determine the extent of the disease. At home, incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and warm baths. Practice deep breathing several times a day, for 2-5 minutes each time. Practice breathing in each nostril by closing each nostril with your index finger, then exhale and then inhale through the other nostril, repeating the rotation of each nose and lasting 15 minutes. This exercise helps reduce heart rate, tinnitus.

Avoid exposure to noise in environments such as discos, working sites, machinery, tanks…

Depending on the patient’s condition, the patient may be able to use a hearing aid or a low-dose amitriptyline tranquilizer to ensure deep sleep.

Post-Covid-19 aka sequelae of Covid-19is a condition in which new symptoms appear after 3 months, lasting 6 months that are not explained by another diagnosis.

On April 22, the Ministry of Health reported more than 203 different post-Covid symptoms, commonly fatigue, shortness of breath, musculoskeletal pain, decreased or lost taste or smell, cognitive decline, confusion sleep, cough, chest pain… Symptoms may appear after recovery, or persist or recur over time. The Ministry of Health recommends that when there are signs and symptoms of post-Covid disease causing prolonged health decline, reduced ability to work or live normally, people need to seek medical attention. Absolutely do not use drugs of unknown origin, unlicensed or unproven oral remedies.

Thuy An