COVID-19 Hearing loss study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation into hearing loss as a manifestation of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - a pilot study
IRAS ID
292103
Contact name
Ananth Vijendren
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East and North Herts NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The Covid-19 virus may affect nerve function (some patients have had altered sense of smell and taste) and anecdotally in the UK ENT forums, there have been several reports that the hearing and balance may be affected. One study has suggested that part of the hearing organ (the cochlea) is affected in patients who might subjectively be unaware of any hearing loss1. The purpose of this study is to determine if the Covid 19 virus affects hearing, and if so, at what point in the hearing pathway. This will help us determine if symptomatic COVID patients should have their hearing tested as a matter of protocol, if there is high prevalence, alert primary care practitioners about this possibility if present, and alert the ENT community about the potential for hearing loss. This will allow medical and rehabilitation treatments to be instituted in a timely manner.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SW/0044
Date of REC Opinion
22 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion