Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center: Tinnitus and COVID-19

Laura L. Brady, AuD, CCC-A, Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center

It is estimated that around 15% of Americans experience tinnitus. Tinnitus is described differently by different people. It has been described as a ringing, chirping, rushing air “whooshing” noise, hissing, or whining sound. If you only experience mild symptoms from time to time, you may learn to live with it. But if your tinnitus affects you on a daily basis, it can have an impact on your quality of life.

Tinnitus can be caused by a number of things including exposure to loud noises, a build-up of wax in the ears, infections or hearing loss and certain medications. Many people report that stress, caffeine consumption, fatigue, nicotine use, and alcohol also contribute and can worsen symptoms.

TINNITUS AND COVID-19

There have been reports of people experiencing tinnitus after receiving COVID-19 vaccines, but according to the Food and Drug Administration, as of March 2021, data is insufficient to directly connect the recent onset of tinnitus with COVID-19 vaccines. There have also been reports of people experiencing tinnitus with active COVID-19 infections and as after-effects of COVID-19. Some people have reported experiencing debilitating symptoms that last weeks or months.

TINNITUS AND HEARING LOSS

People that experience tinnitus often experience hearing loss as well. In many cases, the symptoms of tinnitus precede hearing loss. When you find it difficult to hear, it can impact your life in a lot of different ways. People find that they have trouble engaging in social situations because they cannot follow conversations properly. This may lead to a person with hearing difficulties isolating themselves and skipping social events, and that can be a contributor to mental health issues like depression.

If you are experiencing symptoms of tinnitus, consult with a professional Audiologist who can offer advice and methods to relieve your symptoms and anxiety. For more information, or to schedule an appointment at Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center, call 216-231-8787 or visit www.chsc.org.