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New research reveals that tinnitus, a common condition that causes the perception of noise in the ear and head, is exacerbated by COVID-19, as are measures that help keep us safe.
The study of 3,103 people with tinnitus was conducted by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), with support from the British Tinnitus Association and the American Tinnitus Association. The study involved participants from 48 countries, with the vast majority coming from the UK and the US.
Published in the magazine Borders in public health, the research found that 40% of those showing symptoms of COVID-19 simultaneously experience worsening of their tinnitus.
Although the study focused on people with pre-existing tinnitus, a small number of participants also reported that their condition was initially triggered by the development of COVID-19 symptoms, suggesting that tinnitus could be a ‘long-standing COVID’ symptom. ‘ in some cases.
Tinnitus affects around one in eight adults in the UK and is associated with reduced emotional well-being, depression and anxiety.
The new study also found that a large percentage of people believe their tinnitus is worsened by social distancing measures introduced to help control the spread of the virus. These measures have led to significant changes in work routine and lifestyle.
UK respondents reported that this is a bigger problem than people from other countries, with 46% of UK respondents saying that lifestyle changes negatively impacted their tinnitus compared to 29% of North America.
Internal concerns such as fear of COVID-19, financial worries, loneliness, and sleep disturbances have all contributed to making tinnitus more bothersome for 32% of people overall, with external factors such as increased video calling, more home environments. noisy, home education and increased coffee and alcohol consumption also cited by respondents. Females and children under 50 found that tinnitus was significantly more annoying during the pandemic.
The study found that, in addition to increasing the severity of tinnitus symptoms, the COVID-19 pandemic has also made it more difficult for people to access health support for the condition. This could further increase emotional distress and worsen tinnitus symptoms, creating a vicious cycle. Before COVID-19, more than eight out of 10 UK patients were already dissatisfied with the treatment options available from their doctor.
Lead author Dr Eldre Beukes, a researcher at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge, England, and Lamar University in Texas, said: “The results of this study highlight the complexities associated with the experience. tinnitus and how both internal factors, such as increased anxiety and feelings of loneliness, and external factors, such as changes in daily routine, can have a significant effect on the condition.
“Some of the changes COVID-19 has brought about appear to have negatively impacted the lives of people with tinnitus and participants in this study reported that the symptoms of COVID-19 are worsening or, in some cases, even causing tinnitus and hearing loss. This is something that needs to be carefully examined by both clinical and support services. “
David Stockdale, chief executive of the British Tinnitus Association and co-author of the study, said: “With the second wave of COVID-19 and the ensuing national lockdown that could increase feelings of stress and isolation, it is imperative that we don’t.” I don’t see the same mistakes as before when it comes to community health services for people with tinnitus.
“Inadequate treatment of tinnitus in the early stages often leads to much worse cases, and severe tinnitus can have a huge impact on mental health. With this in mind, as the second wave of COVID-19 takes hold, the health system must ensure that anyone who develops tinnitus or experiences a worsening of their condition can access the professional health support they need as quickly as possible. “
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