Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Tinnitus is a common otologic symptom frequently observed in otolaryngology outpatient departments. Patients with COVID‐19 infection have also reported tinnitus, but it has received little attention during the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of tinnitus among COVID‐19 patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital. This prospective study involved 67 COVID‐19 patients who presented with tinnitus. All participants were confirmed to have COVID‐19 through nasopharyngeal swab reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Detailed history‐taking and clinical examination of the ear were performed to assess tinnitus and its outcomes. 67 patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) reported tinnitus. The cohort included 38 men (56.72%) and 29 women (43.28%), resulting in a male‐to‐female ratio of 1.31:1. Hearing loss was reported by 17 patients (25.37%), balance issues by 10 patients (14.93%)migraine symptoms by 12 patients (17.91%). This study indicates that COVID‐19 patients can experience subjective otoneurological symptoms such as tinnitus. Tinnitus appears to be more prevalent in male COVID‐19 patients compared to females. Associated symptoms, including hearing impairment and balance issues, should be anticipated alongside tinnitus. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this subjective ringing sensation in COVID‐19 patients.
How to cite this article:
Falguni Amin, Borkhatariya Avi Sanjaykumar, B.R. Sreedevi and Devendra Manohar Patil. COVID‐19 and Tinnitus: Clinical Observations from an Indian Teaching Hospital.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.6.560.564
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.6.560.564