Post COVID assessment of hearing in a tertiary health care centre of India

Background: We have tried to find out the effects of COVID-19 on the audio vestibular system. We aim to study the type and severity of hearing loss in post COVID patients, if any. We also aim to find out the percentage of patients who have hearing loss following COVID-19 infection. This study also aims to find out the probable site of involvement of the audio vestibular system. Methods: This study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. 76 health care workers who had tested positive for COVID-19 were taken up for the study. All of them underwent Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA), Impedance Audiometry and Otoacoustic Emission Testing (OAE). Results: Pure Tone Audiometry showed hearing loss in 14(18.4%) patients. It was mild in13 (92.9%), sensorineural in 12(85.7%) and bilateral in 11(78.6%). Impedance Audiometry showed Type A curve in 72 patients. On OAE testing 57 patients were pass and 16 were referred in both ears. Conclusions: The percentage of hearing loss among COVID positive workers was 18.4%. Most of them (85.7%) had sensorineural hearing loss which was mild (92.9%). Hearing loss involved the higher frequencies more on PTA and OAE. OAE was referred in 23% of patients suggestive of cochlear outer hair cell as the possible site of involvement in the affected group. The study is registered under Clinical Trials Registry – India (www.ctri.nic.in) with registration number CTRI/2021/04/033078.