Prevalence and prognosis of tinnitus in post-COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional survey

Recent developments have indicated a potential association between tinnitus and COVID-19. The study aimed to understand tinnitus following COVID-19 by examining its severity, recovery prospects, and connection to other lasting COVID-19 effects. Involving 1331 former COVID-19 patients, the online survey assessed tinnitus severity, cognitive issues, and medical background. Of the participants, 27.9% reported tinnitus after infection. Findings showed that as tinnitus severity increased, the chances of natural recovery fell, with more individuals experiencing ongoing symptoms (p < 0.001). Those with the Grade II mild tinnitus (OR = 3.68; CI = 1.89–7.32; p = 0.002), Grade III tinnitus (OR = 3.70; CI = 1.94–7.22; p < 0.001), Grade IV (OR = 6.83; CI = 3.73–12.91; p < 0.001), and a history of tinnitus (OR = 1.96; CI = 1.08–3.64; p = 0.03) had poorer recovery outcomes. Grade IV cases were most common (33.2%), and severe tinnitus was strongly associated with the risk of developing long-term hearing loss, anxiety, and emotional disorders (p < 0.001). The study concludes that severe post-COVID tinnitus correlates with a worse prognosis and potential hearing loss, suggesting the need for attentive treatment and management of severe cases.

Shihang Mao, Dantong Gu, Di Wang, Peifan Li, Xiaoling Huang, Haoning Yin, Shan Sun