Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Audio-Vestibular Profil of COVID-19; Systematic Review and Metaanalys

Document Type : Systematic Review

Authors
Mehri Maleki 1
Mohammad Maarefvand 2
Ahmadreza Nazeri 3
Alireza Akbarzadeh Baghban 4
Azadeh Borna 1
1 Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences,Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3 Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4 Proteomic Research Center Department of Biostatistics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
10.22038/ijorl.2022.60404.3079
Abstract
Introduction:
After more than a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, audio-vestibular problems have been reported as consequences. Several limited case report studies with different methodologies were published. This study aimed to describe the impact of COVID-19 on the auditory-vestibular system and communication problems in subjects with hearing impairment.
 
Materials and Methods:
The current systematic review was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline. PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to find relevant articles using combined keywords.
 
Results:
Out of 26 final studies, 20 studies dealt with the effects of COVID-19 on the auditory and vestibular system, and six articles examined the COVID-19 effects on hearing-impaired people and patients. In these studies, dizziness (17.8%), tinnitus (8.1%), and vertigo (2.8%) were common symptoms. Most studies were case reports (42.30%), and in terms of quality, nine studies (34.61%) were in the suitable quality group.
Conclusions:
COVID-19 might cause auditory-vestibular system problems by directly affecting the structures or functions of the inner ear or by weakening the immune system. The need for taking preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused communication and social challenges, particularly for people with hearing loss.
Keywords
Auditory
COVID19
Coronavirus
CoV-2
Ear
Hearing
Vestibular
Tinnitus
SARS
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Volume 34, Issue 4
July and August 2022
Pages 145-155