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Evaluation of vestibular and otologic symptoms in SARS-COV-2 infected people

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Created On: 11/05/2022

This review was conducted to elucidate the vestibular and otologic symptoms in COVID-19 patients.

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Key take away

In COVID-19 patients, the vestibular and otologic symptoms were present, predominantly as part of the systemic nature of the disease.

Background

This review was conducted to elucidate the vestibular and otologic symptoms in COVID-19 patients.

Method

For finding out relevant studies, Google Scholar, ProQuest Coronavirus Research Database, Springer Link, Scopus, CINAHL, Herdin, APAMed Central, and PubMed were searched. Studies including adult patients with SARS-COV-2 infection experiencing tinnitus, vertigo, otitis media, ear discharge, ear pain, or hearing loss were considered. The studies were incorporated if the clinical outcomes, duration, specifically onset, or otologic dysfunction were described.

Result

Majority of people who experienced discharge (100%), ear pain (8%), vertigo/dizziness (30%), tinnitus (88%), and hearing loss (68%) did so within a month of experiencing the COVID-19 symptoms. Complete resolution of the symptoms was also experienced by a majority of people within 2 weeks. Standard therapy for coronavirus infection was generally provided.

However, when particular diagnoses were made for symptoms like vestibular neuritis, otitis media, or sudden sensorineural hearing loss, they were managed in the similar way as for non-COVID-19 cases, along with COVID-19 treatment. Additional work-up may be required to rule out other causes in some cases.

Conclusion

The onset, duration, and course of otologic and vestibular symptoms were consistent with the natural history of a systemic viral infection. Therefore, SARS-COV-2 infection should be considered in any patient with dizziness/vertigo, tinnitus, or hearing loss, even without respiratory or infectious symptoms.