Our bodies are complex networks, and certain aspects of our health can connect to each other in surprising ways. One connection you may not be aware of exists between viral infections and hearing health. If you’ve been sick with a virus lately—such as the common cold, the flu or COVID—you might want to know how that virus could have an impact on your hearing.
How Viral Infections Harm Hearing
Because ears are complex, delicate organs, and because no two viruses function in the same way, a viral infection can affect your hearing in several ways. Moreover, not all viruses have an effect on hearing health, but some do. Below are some of the ways a viral infection might impact your ears. Note: This topic is still being studied. These are some theories, but more research will need to be done.
Direct Damage to the Inner Ear
If a virus reaches and infects the ear, such as during an ear infection or swimmer’s ear, it can attack and damage the cochlea, the part of the inner ear that collects sound data to send to the brain. If the cochlea is damaged, it cannot transmit sound data to the brain, and the damage is permanent.
Some other viruses, namely herpes and shingles, are believed to attack the auditory nerve, which is the nerve the cochlea uses to deliver sound information to the brain. Damage to the auditory nerve is just like cutting a phone line; if the brain is unable to connect to the cochlea, it cannot perceive sound.
Inflammation
The immune system uses many tactics to fight off a foreign invader, like a virus. One such tactic is inflammation. Respiratory viruses, like the common cold, can prompt inflammation in the sinuses and throat. This inflammation can cause fluid and mucus to build up behind the eardrum, leading to an inner ear infection.
Immune System Overreaction (Autoimmune Disorders)
Sometimes, the immune system attacks the body instead of defending it. This is known as an autoimmune disorder. In this instance, the presence of a virus can trigger the immune system, which overresponds and attacks the healthy tissue in the ear instead of destroying the virus.
Ototoxic Medications
Viruses can indirectly affect your ears due to the ototoxic side effects of the medications used to treat them. “Ototoxic” means damaging the inner ear structures, leading to hearing loss. These medications, while necessary for fighting off the infection, contain chemicals that can attack the inner ear. The good news is that, in most cases, hearing will return to normal once you’re no longer taking that medication.
Viruses Linked to Hearing Loss
- The common cold
- Influenza
- Coronavirus, including “long COVID”
- Measles
- Mumps
- Meningitis
- Lyme disease
- ZIKA virus
- Ebola
- West Nile virus
- Streptococcus
- Shingles
- Herpes
- Syphilis
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Chickenpox
- Rubella
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Preventing Hearing Loss When You’re Sick
In some of the cases listed above, if your hearing is affected by a viral infection, your hearing may return to normal after the infection passes or you stop taking an ototoxic medication. In these instances, treating the viral infection is the best way to protect your hearing health. Get lots of rest, drink lots of fluids and speak to your healthcare provider about treatments if your infection lasts several days.
If you’ve been sick and notice a sudden change in your hearing, it’s essential to get your hearing checked right away. Call Gary D. Schwartzberg, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology today for more information or to make an appointment.