SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and audio-vestibular disorders

Abstract

To describe the audio-vestibular disorders related to the newly SARS-CoV-2 infection, including the possible ototoxicity side-effects related to the use of drugs included in the SARS-CoV-2 treatment protocols. A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA protocol. The Medline and Embase databases were searched from March 1, 2020 to April 9, 2021. Initially the search yielded 400 manuscripts, which were reduced to 15, upon the application of inclusion criteria. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most frequent audio-vestibular symptom described, occurring alone or in association with tinnitus and vertigo. The etiopathogenesis of the inner ear disorders related to COVID-19 infection is still poorly understood. The number of reports of COVID-19 infections associated to audio-vestibular disorders is increasing; even if the quality of the studies available is often insufficient, audio-vestibular disorders should be considered as possible manifestations to be included among the symptoms of this infection.