Symptoms of Tinnitus and COVID-19

Could there be a connection between Tinnitus and COVID-19? 

There is possible evidence that shows this is the case. A study from the University of Manchester reported that 6.6% of patients claimed to develop tinnitus after being hospitalized for COVID-19. 

It’s important to note that tinnitus can worsen in people when they are under too much stress. A global study found that some who already experienced tinnitus felt their symptoms had become worse due to lockdown and new pandemic regulations.

Could there be a connection between Tinnitus and long-COVID?

There have been reports of tinnitus as one of the side effects of long-COVID. Again, stress may also be a cause for the onset or worsening symptoms of tinnitus. 

Please know that there are many ways to manage tinnitus. Simple techniques such as:

• Breathing exercises
• Relaxation techniques
• Meditation
• Mindfulness 
• Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol

Have Your symptoms of Tinnitus worsened since working from Home?

Working from home has been a change for some and a challenge for others. Usually, it gives you a quieter environment. This means there’s less distraction in general, and also less distraction from tinnitus. It also means less face to face interactions and more video calls, which can cause additional anxiety and stress. When possible, relax when you can. When you’re not working, do things that bring you joy.  
 
Is the frequent use of Headsets giving you Anxiety and Negatively impacting your Tinnitus?

If you are using headsets more often while working from home, you may be concerned that it’s making your tinnitus worse. 

Here are some simple tips for safely using headsets to protect your hearing:

• Keep the volume at a low level
• Use noise-canceling headphones or headsets - this saves you time from needing to manually adjust the volume if there’s background noise. 
• If possible, listen through the speakers on your computer or phone so that you don’t need to wear headphones for most of your workday. 
• Regularly take breaks so that your ears and your mind can rest.

Do You Feel Anxious about Navigating through the Pandemic and Post-Pandemic?

We are currently in between continuing to live through the pandemic while trying to ease into a post-pandemic life. You may still notice feelings of anxiety and stress, which can impact your symptoms of tinnitus.   

Please be aware that no one knows what the future is going to look like, and we can’t worry about things that are beyond our control. It’s absolutely normal to feel anxious due to these significant changes. So when it’s possible, take time out to do things that you enjoy.

Tinnitus and hearing loss often go hand in hand. If you have recently developed tinnitus, and/or notice hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free consultation.  

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