Tinnitus in COVID-19 patients;A case study

Abstract

Aims Due to the widespread prevalence of COVID-19, clinicians should be aware of even the rare symptoms of the disease to help the patients with the proper clinical procedure. In this study, a new case related to COVID-19 induced tinnitus was reported. Patient & Methods The patient was 27 years old with a chief complaint of a sudden transient change in her chronic vascular tinnitus (loud pulsatile tinnitus) repeated several times a day during the illness period. Because the other symptoms were similar to those of COVID-19, she was referred for a PCR test. Findings The PCR test for Covid19 was positive. Audiology examinations revealed intact tympanic membrane and normal hearing levels. Impedance audiometry and acoustic reflexes were standard. Tinnitus evaluations confirmed a change of tinnitus quality to higher pitch tinnitus with a louder loudness. HRCT scan did not show lung involvement. Conclusion In our case, tinnitus change is possibly due to a change in the blood flow caused by vasculitis, a confirmed manifestation of viral infectious including Coronavirus. Patients with sudden audio-vestibular symptoms should be further evaluated for the COVID-19 rule out. More detailed investigations are required to determine the involved mechanisms. Copyright © 2021, the Authors.