Relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and hearing loss: A mini-review

Abstract

The most reported symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were initially fever, dry cough, and sore throat. However, as we continue to review the literature, the loss of taste and smell were also added as clinical symptoms of the novel SARS-CoV-2. At present, the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the auditory system is still not well-understood. This study is mini-review and aims to find out more about the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and hearing loss through review of the literature. From our findings, hearing loss is the primary otological symptom of SARS-CoV-2, followed by tinnitus and dizziness. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 may have an effect on our auditory system, but due to the small sample sizes in the existing literature, further prospective studies are warranted to determine the relationship between the virus and hearing loss.