Researchers across the world are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to developing a vaccine or treatment to curb the spread of COVID-19, the infection caused by the novel coronavirus, which has so far killed more than 757,000 people and sickened over 21 million globally.
Now, a new UK study from a team of audiologists has shown hearing impairment as a common symptom among patients with COVID-19 after getting discharged from the hospital.
The study, published in the International Journal of Audiology, looked at more than 120 patients hospitalized in the Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester.
The participants were asked about any change in their hearing through a telephonic survey. Of all the patients, 16 reported hearing impairment and eight reported tinnitus, a ringing sensation in one or both ears.
However, these findings are preliminary so the authors urgently called for further studies to determine the acute and temporary effects of coronavirus infection on hearing and the audiovestibular system.
The researchers expressed concerns over potential problems caused to the middle ear or cochlea due to COVID-19 infection.
Meanwhile, a survey published Thursday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is significantly harming the mental health of many Americans.
In late June, at least two in five Americans surveyed reported mental health issues, including substance abuse problems. The CDC reported that psychiatric struggles were more among younger adults, frontline health workers, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with pre-existing mental health issues.
The survey was conducted on nearly 5400 Americans aged 18 and above. Nearly 41% of respondents reported at least one mental or behavioral health issue.
The authors noted that over 30% reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder – three times more than what was reported during the same period in 2019.
More than 50% of respondents reported serious suicidal thoughts in the month prior, compared to the findings in 2018.
The new CDC data also echoed other findings of a significant increase in anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies since the pandemic began.
The CDC survey also reported an increased risk of emotional distress and unhealthy coping, which could lead to significant mental health issues. Another survey has found that many young health workers have died due to COVID-19 most of them were in their 20s. Nearly 170 frontline health workers have died of COVID-19, according to Kaiser Health News and The Guardian, of which 21 were younger than 40 and eight were younger than 30.
