Tinnitus in COVID-19 Patients; a Case Study

Aims: Due to the widespread prevalence of COVID19, clinicians should be aware of even the rare symptoms of the disease to help the patients with the proper clinical procedure. In this study, a new case related to COVID19 induced tinnitus was reported. Patient Methods: The patient was 27 years old with a chief complaint of a sudden transient change in her chronic vascular tinnitus (loud pulsatile tinnitus) repeated several times a day during the illness period. Because the other symptoms were similar to those of COVID19, she was referred for a PCR test. Findings: The PCR test for Covid19 was positive. Audiology examinations revealed intact tympanic membrane and normal hearing levels. Impedance audiometry and acoustic reflexes were standard. Tinnitus evaluations confirmed a change of tinnitus quality to higher pitch tinnitus with a louder loudness. HRCT scan did not show lung involvement. Conclusion: In our case, tinnitus change is possibly due to a change in the blood flow caused by vasculitis, a confirmed manifestation of viral infectious including Coronavirus. Patients with sudden audiovestibular symptoms should be further evaluated for the COVID19 rule out. More detailed investigations are required to determine the involved mechanisms.