‘The longer the pandemic continues, the more we learn about the health consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection.’ Prof. Piotr H. Skarżyński commented on new reports of coronavirus complications for ‘Echo Dnia Radomskie’.
‘Reports that the new coronavirus could damage hearing first reached us from Thailand and Iran. Research results confirming this were published in July. Unlike smell or taste disorders, which are among the first symptoms of infection and sometimes its only symptom, hearing disorders appear to occur only in patients with more severe COVID-19. Young patients seem particularly at risk, as coronavirus may enter their middle ear more easily,’ said Prof. Piotr H. Skarżyński.
He also acknowledged that one consequence of the pandemic could be an increase in the number of people with hearing problems.
‘All patients who have had COVID-19 should have their hearing checked within a few months of recovery,’ he added.
He also noted that although people who have recovered have normal smell and taste, it is still too early to assess the infection’s long-term effects.