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FRIDAY, Nov. 6, 2020 (HealthDay News)<\/p>\n
Tinnitus<\/a>, a common hearing<\/a> problem, may be worsened by COVID-19<\/a> or possibly even triggered by the new coronavirus, new research indicates.<\/p>\n Moreover, people with tinnitus<\/a> are further struggling because of lifestyle changes forced by the pandemic, the study found.<\/p>\n Tinnitus<\/a> includes the perception of noise, like ringing, in the ears and head. It’s associated with reduced emotional well-being, depression<\/a> and anxiety<\/a>.<\/p>\n “The findings of this study highlight the complexities associated with experiencing tinnitus<\/a> and how both internal factors, such as increased anxiety<\/a> and feelings of loneliness, and external factors, such as changes to daily routines, can have a significant effect on the condition,” study author Eldre Beukes said in a news release from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England. She is a research fellow at Anglia Ruskin and Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.<\/p>\n The researchers studied more than 3,100 people from 48 countries, most from the United States and United Kingdom. They found that 40% of those who had COVID-19<\/a> symptoms experienced a worsening of their existing tinnitus. Some participants reported their tinnitus was initially triggered by developing coronavirus symptoms.<\/p>\n This could mean that tinnitus could be a “long COVID” symptom for some, the study said.<\/p>\n Researchers also learned that many respondents believe social distancing measures are worsening their condition. About 46% from the United Kingdom and 29% in North America reported this.<\/p>\n They blamed increased video calls, noisier home environments and greater consumption of coffee and alcohol<\/a> for their increasing discomfort. About one-third also cited fear of getting COVID-19<\/a>, financial concerns, loneliness and trouble sleeping as contributors. Women and people under age 50 found their tinnitus particularly problematic during the pandemic.<\/p>\n The pandemic has also made it more difficult for patients to access health care support for their condition, according to the study.<\/p>\n The findings were published Nov. 5 in the journal Frontiers in Public Health.<\/em><\/p>\n “Poor treatment of tinnitus in the early stages often leads to much worse cases, and severe tinnitus can have a huge impact on mental health<\/a>,” said study co-author David Stockdale, chief executive of the British Tinnitus Association.<\/p>\n “With this in mind, as the COVID-19<\/a> second wave takes hold, the health care system needs to ensure that anyone who develops tinnitus or experiences a worsening of their condition can access the professional health care support they need as quickly as possible,” he said in the release.<\/p>\n Learn more about tinnitus from the U.S. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders<\/a>.<\/p>\n SOURCE: Anglia Ruskin University, news release, Nov. 5, 2020<\/p>\n Cara Murez<\/p>\n![\"MedicalNews\"](\"https:\/\/images.medicinenet.com\/images\/HealthDay\/healthday.png\")
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