Healthcare Professionals
There is increasing evidence that COVID-19 infection itself can negatively impact the ears and hearing. During times of stress, tinnitus can be more common and more severe.
Can COVID-19 infection cause tinnitus or hearing loss?
In a report, a man lost his hearing while hospitalized with a severe case.[1]
For detailed and expert information on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
Can pandemic stress make tinnitus worse?
During times of stress, tinnitus can be more common and more severe. A study in Ear and Hearing found that the probability of developing tinnitus is approximately the same for highly-stressed people as it is for people exposed to occupational noise.[3] Similarly, according to the British Tinnitus Association, it's common for tinnitus to first manifest during or after periods of high stress and for existing tinnitus to worsen with stress.
According to research published in Frontiers in Public Health, about a third of study participants who already had tinnitus before COVID-19's eruption indicated that their ringing in the ears had gotten worse during the pandemic.[2] The research showed that existing tinnitus was significantly exacerbated among those self-isolating, experiencing loneliness, sleeping poorly, and engaging in reduced levels of exercise due to pandemic-related lifestyle changes.
These results emphasize the need for all of us to continue to look after ourselves and our loved ones with whatever social and emotional support mechanisms we can provide. Eating well, promoting quality sleep, and continuing to exercise (either in your home or, preferably, outdoors in nature) are also important.
Ototoxic medications
Ototoxic medications can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or dizziness as side effects. Sometimes the impacts can be reversed when the medications are stopped, but in other cases the effects can be lasting.[4]
If you have new or worsening tinnitus and have recently started a different medication regimen, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about it. Never, however, stop taking a medication prescribed to you or change dosing without consulting with your healthcare provider first.
What can people with tinnitus do?
For those experiencing tinnitus, LIPO has management tips that can help.
For what the research says about tinnitus after COVID-19 vaccination, see COVID vaccine and tinnitus: what the research says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pandemic stress make tinnitus worse?
According to research published in Frontiers in Public Health, about a third of study participants who already had tinnitus before COVID-19's eruption indicated that their ringing in the ears had gotten worse during the pandemic.[2] The research showed that existing tinnitus was significantly exacerbated among those self-isolating, experiencing loneliness, sleeping poorly, and engaging in reduced levels of exercise due to pandemic-related lifestyle changes.
Can ototoxic medications cause ringing in the ears?
Ototoxic medications can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or dizziness as side effects. Sometimes the impacts can be reversed when the medications are stopped, but in other cases the effects can be lasting.[4] If you have new or worsening tinnitus and have recently started a different medication regimen, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about it. Never, however, stop taking a medication prescribed to you or change dosing without consulting with your healthcare provider first.
What if new or worsening tinnitus follows a medication change?
If you have new or worsening tinnitus and have recently started a different medication regimen, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about it. Never, however, stop taking a medication prescribed to you or change dosing without consulting with your healthcare provider first.
References
- Koumpa FS, Forde CT, Manjaly JG. Sudden irreversible hearing loss post COVID-19. BMJ Case Reports. 2020. View source.
- Beukes EW, Baguley DM, Jacquemin L, et al. Changes in Tinnitus Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Public Health. 2020. View source.
- Baigi A, Oden A, Almlid-Larsen V, Barrenäs ML, Holgers KM. Tinnitus in the general population with a focus on noise and stress: a public health study. Ear and Hearing. 2011. View source.
- Bisht M, Bist SS. Ototoxicity: The Hidden Menace. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. 2011. View source.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.