PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Scientists are beginning to understand why a strange hearing complication from COVID-19 infection may be happening.
People who suffer from tinnitus call it ringing of the ears — a consistent and often annoying sound that in many cases continues for prolonged periods of time.
Many of us have experienced it for a short time after exposure to loud noises, and in some cases, it can be associated with hearing loss.
Tinnitus, as well as dizziness and hearing loss, are being seen in patients who have COVID-19 infections. Researchers reporting in the journal Nature have shown COVID-19 can enter and damage inner ear cells.
An estimated 5 million people worldwide have died from COVID-19, but that number is dwarfed by survivors who live with lingering damage like constant ringing in the ears.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.