COVID-19 may cause some people to experience tinnitus. However, scientists are still investigating the exact link between the two. Researchers have also investigated if COVID-19 vaccines cause tinnitus.
People with tinnitus hear sounds inside their ear, such as ringing or buzzing. These sounds may come and go.
This article discusses whether COVID-19 or the COVID-19 vaccines can cause tinnitus.
It also looks at other possible causes of tinnitus, symptoms, treatments, and more.
Coronavirus data
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Scientists have investigated in several studies whether COVID-19 causes tinnitus. Although some people who have COVID-19 may develop tinnitus, scientists don’t know yet exactly why this happens.
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They suggest that the additional stress and anxiety of the COVID-19 pandemic may make a person’s tinnitus worse. They could not determine if COVID-19 is a direct cause of tinnitus.
Another 2021 study by audiologists found that an estimated 15% of people with COVID-19 reported developing tinnitus.
Another
However, they also pointed out that the data in the studies did not give a high level of evidence, and people should interpret it cautiously. They also concluded that stress and anxiety may play a part in causing tinnitus rather than COVID-19 itself.
Scientists have investigated links between tinnitus and COVID-19 vaccines.
One
The author of the study concluded that the risk of tinnitus from the COVID-19 vaccine is very low. They also noted that other vaccines had a higher tinnitus risk.
The British Tinnitus Association (BTA) states that COVID-19 vaccines cannot cause tinnitus. Trials of vaccines also did not find tinnitus as a side effect. However, it notes that some stress or anxiety factors that people may associate with vaccination can make tinnitus more intrusive.
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Learn about the possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines.
The symptoms of tinnitus can vary from person to person. People with tinnitus hear sounds in one or both ears that can:
- come and go
- be present all the time
- be soft or loud
- be low- or high-pitched
These sounds can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- ringing
- buzzing
- roaring
- whistling
- humming
- clicking
- hissing
- squealing
Tinnitus may last for several days after a person has COVID-19, but possibly months.
Studies in
However, a different
It is best to contact a doctor if a person experiences ongoing symptoms of tinnitus.
Scientists have linked developing tinnitus with some
- exposure to loud noise, such as loud workplace noise, concerts, or sporting events
- hearing loss due to aging
- side effects of some medications, especially if taken at high doses
- blockage of a person’s ear canal from earwax or an ear infection
- head or neck injuries
People may also develop tinnitus for no known reason.
There are no specific tinnitus medications. No current dietary supplements are medically effective against tinnitus.
However, doctors
- sound therapy, which involves using exposure to sounds to help people adjust to tinnitus
- behavioral therapy, which involves learning techniques to help reduce the impact on a person’s life
- medication, which may help improve sleep or mood
To assist with diagnosing tinnitus, a doctor
In some cases, such as if a doctor suspects pulsatile tinnitus or if other symptoms accompany tinnitus, imaging tests can help to check for possible causes of tinnitus. These include:
A person’s doctor can advise on any tests they order and answer any questions about what they involve.
COVID-19 may cause people to develop tinnitus. However, scientists are still investigating the exact reason for this. Tinnitus may last for days, weeks, or months after a person has COVID-19.
Researchers have found no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause tinnitus.
It is best for a person to contact their doctor if they are experiencing symptoms of tinnitus. They will be able to confirm the diagnosis and advise on steps a person can take to manage their symptoms.