We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.
COVID-19 is an infectious disease that has been confirmed in almost 40 million people across the world, while more than one million have died from the virus. If you develop any of the key coronavirus symptoms, you should get tested for the infection straight away.
The UK has seen a rise in the number of coronavirus cases over the past few weeks.
A number of councils across the country have entered into ‘tier three’ restrictions, in a bid to cut the infection rate.
London and Essex have joined ‘tier two’ restrictions this weekend as the number of cases have also continued to rise.
You may be at risk of coronavirus infection if you’ve noticed a subtle change to your hearing.
Some COVID-19 patients have reported developing unexplained hearing loss.
Earlier this week, a man had the sudden onset of hearing loss, combined with tinnitus on his left side.
Tinnitus is the name for hearing unexplained noises, including ringing, buzzing, hissing or throbbing.
Scientists have recently urged doctors to look out for signs of tinnitus, as it may be an under diagnosed symptom of coronavirus.
DON’T MISS
Coronavirus symptoms: Warning sign of COVID-19 [ANALYSIS]
Coronavirus symptoms update: Four symptoms of long COVID-19 [RESEARCH]
The five most common symptoms of COVID being right now [STUDY]
“Despite the considerable literature on COVID-19 and the various symptoms associated with the virus, there is a lack of discussion on the relationship between COVID-19 and hearing,” said scientists from University College London and the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital.
They wrote in BMJ Case Reports: “Hearing loss and tinnitus are symptoms that have been seen in patients with both COVID-19 and influenza virus, but have not been highlighted.
“Given the widespread presence of the virus in the population and the significant morbidity of hearing loss, it is important to investigate this further.
“This is especially true given the need to promptly identify and treat the hearing loss and the current difficulty in accessing medical services.”
But just because you hear a ringing in your ears, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have coronavirus.
Tinnitus isn’t usually a sign of anything serious, and and there are already a series of treatments available for the condition.
It could also be caused by diabetes, anxiety, or even by taking some types of medication.
Your tinnitus is more likely to be caused by COVID-19 if it’s accompanied by any of the more common warning signs.
A high fever, a new cough, and a change to your sense of smell or taste are the most common early coronavirus symptoms.
In the UK, you should only get tested for the infection if you develop any of these symptoms.
Some patients have also reported a sore throat, headaches, and even hiccups, on top of the more common signs.
More than 42,000 people have died from coronavirus in the UK.
Source: Read Full Article