Covid-19 linked to hearing loss risks in young adults

A recent study conducted by a team at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital has revealed that Covid-19 may cause hearing loss, including sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), in young adults aged 20 to 39.

The study, which analyzed nationwide cohort data, found a significant association between Covid-19 infection and the increased risk of hearing loss in this demographic.

The research team, led by Professor Oh Yun-hwan from the Department of Family Medicine, included researchers from several prominent institutions, such as Seoul National University, Korea University College of Medicine, the National Cancer Center, and Jeju National University Hospital.

Using data from July to December 2022, the study tracked 6,716,879 young adults diagnosed with Covid-19, monitoring them for the onset of hearing loss.

The findings indicated that those who contracted Covid-19 had a significantly higher risk of developing hearing loss compared to those who were not infected.

Also, the risk of developing SSNHL was found to be 3.52 times higher in the COVID-19 group.

The researchers adjusted for various factors, including age, gender, income level, and comorbidities, to ensure the robustness of their results. The consistency of the findings across all variables highlighted the potential neurological impact of Covid-19 on the auditory system.

"Hearing loss is a critical issue that can significantly affect daily life,” Professor Oh said. “This study underscores the need for heightened vigilance in monitoring hearing health, particularly in the context of Covid-19.”

The results of the study were published in eClinicalMedicine.