Trastornos auditivos y vestibulares secundarios al covid-19.

Abstract

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, first identified in 2019 in Wuhan City, China. The effects of this pathology have generated significant concern across the population, as various healthcare fields have demonstrated that the virus compromises the proper functioning of the systems they address, and phonoaudiology is no exception. The main objective of this study was to investigate and understand, through various articles, the effects of COVID-19 on auditory and vestibular health. For this purpose, risk factors and the temporary or permanent sequelae in the auditory and balance systems of patients who suffered from COVID-19 were analyzed, along with the impact on their quality of life. Information sources such as Google Scholar, Scielo, Dialnet, PubMed, Scopus, and Redalyc were used. Initially, 55 articles were collected; however, after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 were discarded, leaving 20 articles for consideration. It was determined that auditory and vestibular disorders are related to the use of drugs lacking scientific evidence to treat SARS-CoV-2, such as ivermectin, azithromycin, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, interferon, and ribavirin. Regarding vaccines, they pose minimal auditory risks compared to their benefits; however, more studies on their side effects are needed. Similarly, the most common sequelae of COVID-19 included sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and labyrinthitis, which are attributable to the neurotropic action of the virus affecting the nervous system. Additionally, psychological issues stemming from confinement, such as stress and anxiety, exacerbated these symptoms, particularly in patients with tinnitus.