Hearing Loss Isn't a COVID-19 Symptom
The Claim
Hearing loss is a new coronavirus symptom.
News posted on
Emerging story
Social media users claimed that hearing loss could be a sign of a new coronavirus symptom.
Natural Nurse posted on Facebook that there is a patent on a direct energy weapon that can make you deaf.
Other users claimed that COVID-19 causes hearing loss and it’s a new symptom that has been addressed.
In a blog, Starkey claimed that there is some concern that the coronavirus may cause some neurological symptoms as well.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s investigation didn’t find enough evidence to support the circulating claim. We reviewed the symptoms listed by the World Health Organization, and didn’t find hearing loss symptoms on the list.
In a letter published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology, authors described a case of an older woman in Thailand diagnosed with COVID-19 who suffered from hearing loss. It only discussed brief details about the case and did not provide much evidence on the relationship between the two factors.
According to Science Times, just because someone tested positive for COVID-19 and reported hearing problems, it does not mean that the former caused the latter.
Studies found by Misbar only suggest that COVID-19 can affect the ears and may leave ear problems. More studies are needed to prove such claims.
