Short- and Long-Term Self-Reported Audiovestibular Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Hospitalized and Nonhospitalized Patients

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Audiovestibular symptoms during the acute stage have been reported in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), while very few studies investigated the long-term audiovestibular manifestations of SARS-CoV-2. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The objective of this study was to examine the occurrence of short- and long-term audiovestibular symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. <b><i>Method:</i></b> In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was distributed to severe hospitalized cases and nonhospitalized patients with mild disease, all with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 test results. Participants were inquired to report audiovestibular symptoms during the acute phase and at 6-month follow-up after contracting SARS-CoV-2. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 301 participants completed the questionnaire. Auditory symptoms were reported by 21.9% and 1.99% of patients during the acute phase and 6 months post SARS-CoV-2 infection, respectively. During the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, aural fullness represents the most common symptoms (18.94%) followed by tinnitus (9.97%) and hearing loss (6.31%). Vestibular symptoms were reported by 34% during the acute phase; most commonly was dizziness (29.9%) followed by vertigo (24.25%) and unsteadiness (8.31%). Long-term and persistent vestibular problems were reported by 3.99% patients. There were no statistically significant differences in self-reported audiovestibular symptoms between patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 disease compared to those with mild disease. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The current study showed that audiovestibular symptoms are common among SARS-CoV-2 infected patients during the acute phase of the disease. However, these symptoms are mostly temporary and showed complete spontaneous recovery during the first 2 weeks postinfection.