Researchers study relationship between COVID-19, development of tinnitus – Wink News

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Studies show the coronavirus is also causing tinnitus in some people, a ringing of the ears that can lead to dizziness. A man we spoke to has tinnitus but did not develop it due to COVID-19. Regardless of the cause, he said its horrible.

For Robert Cacus, it started with silence.

One day, I just stopped hearing everything, and that lasted for two days, Cacus said. I went to the hospital and the ER and they were like, We dont see anything wrong with you.'

When his hearing returned so did unpleasant symptoms.

I started having ringing in my ears, and Ive had that ringing in my ears now for like 20 years, Cacus said. Its constant, and its just a sound thats in your head, and you just cant do anything about it.

Cacus says, sometimes the ringing is so loud, he cant concentrate.

I just dont know what it feels like to just hear quiet, Cacus said. I just dont know.

New research shows Cacus tinnitus could get worse. Several studies are exploring the link between COVID-19 and new tinnitus cases, hearing loss and auditory vertigo.

During Johnson and Johnsons COVID-19 vaccine trial, six volunteers developed tinnitus.

But the report also says there wasnt enough evidence to confirm a causal relationship between the vaccine and tinnitus.

When a condition is common, and COVID is so common, its very hard to sincerely draw a one-to-one, said Dr. Michael Hoffer, a professor otolaryngology & and neurological surgery at UM Health. So people should be reserved in saying that COVID causes certain things. Certain things weve proven, and certain things are just speculation.

Hoffer says its also possible new cases of tinnitus are related to the stress of the pandemic instead of the virus.

Ringing in the ear and dizziness, in particular, gets worse with stress, Hoffer explained.

While there is uncertainty surrounding COVID-19s link to tinnitus, there is one thing Cacus knows for sure.

I havent had COVID yet. I dont plan on getting it. But if I do have to get it, I hope I dont have to suffer any worse than I am now, Cacus said.

While hes at it, Cacus hopes for a cure too. Depending on the type of tinnitus someone has, it might go away on its own, or it might become permanent.

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Researchers study relationship between COVID-19, development of tinnitus - Wink News