New research also indicates that tinnitus could be ‘long COVID’ symptom
New research reveals that tinnitus, a common condition that causes the perception of noise in the ear and head, is being exacerbated by COVID-19 – as well as the measures helping to keep us safe.
The study of 3,103 people with tinnitus was led by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), with support from the British Tinnitus Association and the American Tinnitus Association. The study involved participants from 48 countries, with the vast majority coming from the UK and the US. Published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, the research found that 40% of those displaying symptoms of COVID-19 simultaneously experience a worsening of their tinnitus. Although the study focused on people with pre-existing tinnitus, a small number of participants also reported that their condition was initially triggered by developing COVID-19 symptoms, suggesting that tinnitus could be a ‘long COVID’ symptom in some cases.
Tinnitus affects an estimated one in eight adults in the UK and is associated with reduced emotional wellbeing, depression, and anxiety.
The new study also found that a large proportion of people believe their tinnitus is being made worse by social distancing measures introduced to help control the spread of the virus. These measures have led to significant changes to work and lifestyle routines. UK respondents reported this to be a greater issue compared to people from other countries, with 46% of UK respondents saying that lifestyle changes had negatively impacted their tinnitus compared to 29% in North America.
Internal worries such as fear of catching COVID-19, financial concerns, loneliness and trouble sleeping have contributed to making tinnitus more bothersome for 32% of people overall, with external factors such as increased videocalls, noisier home environments, home schooling and increased coffee and alcohol consumption also cited by respondents. Females and the under-50s have found tinnitus significantly more bothersome during the pandemic.
The study noted that as well as increasing the severity of tinnitus symptoms, the COVID-19 pandemic has also made it more difficult for people to access healthcare support for the condition. This could further increase emotional distress and worsen tinnitus symptoms, creating a vicious cycle. Before COVID-19, more than eight out of 10 UK patients were already unhappy with the treatment options available from their health professional.
Lead author, Dr Eldré Beukes, a Research Fellow in Vision & Hearing Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: “The findings of this study highlight the complexities associated with experiencing tinnitus and how both internal factors, such as increased anxiety and feelings of loneliness, and external factors, such as changes to daily routines, can have a significant effect on the condition.
“Some of the changes brought about by COVID-19 appear to have had a negative impact on the lives of people with tinnitus and participants in this study reported that COVID-19 symptoms are worsening or, in some cases, even initiating tinnitus and hearing loss. This is something that needs to be closely examined by both clinical and support services.”
David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the British Tinnitus Association and a co-author of the study, said: “With the second wave of Covid-19 and the resulting national lockdown likely to increase feelings of stress and isolation, it’s vital that we don’t see the same mistakes as before when it comes to community health provision for people with tinnitus. “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. With this in mind, as the COVID-19 second wave takes hold, the healthcare system needs to ensure that anyone who develops tinnitus or experiences a worsening of their condition can access the professional healthcare support they need as quickly as possible."
Case study
Rebecca Edgar, 29, from Clacton-on-Sea, has had tinnitus since childhood following an infection in her cochlea but feels that it is currently ‘the worst it has ever been’ as a result of the pandemic. She said:
“For the last 20 years I’ve had a constant high-pitched buzzing in my ear but there is no doubt that this is the worst my tinnitus has ever been. I’m deaf in one ear and I’m so scared that catching Covid-19 could destroy what’s left of my hearing.
“I’m also worried about my family. My husband, parents and siblings are all key workers and some of them have health conditions that put them at extra risk, so that’s a constant source of worry - it’s sent my stress levels through the roof! My tinnitus has got so loud that I’m now struggling to hear my toddler when he talks to me from the back seat of the car and it’s making it harder and harder for me to fall asleep. It’s a vicious cycle too because the more I worry about my tinnitus, the louder it gets and that increases my stress further."
“People just don’t realise that tinnitus is so much more than just an annoying sound - it impacts on every aspect of your life and it stops you from doing what you want to do and being who you want to be. I am so hopeful that we can develop a vaccine for Covid-19 and I really hope that we can also find a cure for tinnitus. It would completely transform my life!”
The study abstract is available here: https://www.frontiersin.org/
About the British Tinnitus Association
The British Tinnitus Association is an independent charity and the primary source of information for people with tinnitus. It helps to facilitate an improved quality of life for people with tinnitus through a range of support options including support groups, a helpline and its website, while also taking steps to bring forward the day when tinnitus is cured. The charity works to inform and educate medical professionals and the community on what tinnitus is and how to manage it. The British Tinnitus Association wants “a world where no one suffers from tinnitus”. It wants to find better ways to manage tinnitus and, ultimately, to help find a cure. Earlier this year, the publication of its Tinnitus Manifesto led to more than 100,000 people signing a petition for more funding for tinnitus research to find cures.
Website: www.tinnitus.org.uk
Twitter: @BritishTinnitus
Facebook and Instagram: @BritishTinnitusAssociation
LinkedIn: British Tinnitus Association
About Anglia Ruskin University
Ranked in the world’s top 350 institutions in the 2021 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research.
ARU’s research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. It delivers impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Its academic excellence has been recognised by the UK’s Higher Education funding bodies, with 12 of our research areas assessed as world-leading.
It is the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in England, and is among the UK’s leading universities for degree apprenticeship provision, working with employers including Barclays, Vinci and GSK.
