Comparative Study for Use of Steroids in Treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in COVID19 Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Viruses are identified to lead to neurological manifestation, like anosmia, facial paralysis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Throughout the preceding SARS epidemic, corona-viruses were stated be accompanied with losses of smell and taste senses because of neural injuries. Aim: This research aims to study the existence of (SARS-CoV-2) in cases with only SSHNL throughout the COVID19 pandemic and effectiveness on intratympanic steroid injections on development of cases. Methods: This work involved 20-cases with the single complaint of unilateral SSNHL to the otolaryngology out-patient clinics. The cases were directed to be assessed for SARS-CoV-2 by real time polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) test. Cases received systemic steroids, intratympanic steroids or combined and were then audiologically assessed. Results: RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 was positive in 13 cases. A positive responding to COVID19-definite therapy in the SARS-CoV-2 positive SSNHL cases has been observed. Most of cases received intratympanic steroids showed significant improvement than non-received (p=0.005). Also, cases received combined intratympanic and systemic steroids showed significant improvement than non-received (p=0.021), while improvement in cases received systemic steroids or vasodilators showed no statistical significant difference than non-received (p=0.306 and 0.595, respectively). Conclusion: It must be recalled that nonspecific signs like SSNHL can be the only symptom with which to know a COVID19 case. Recognition of such nonspecific presentations of COVID19 cases is crucial throughout this pandemic time for avoiding infectious spreading via isolations and early initiations of COVID19 targeted therapy.