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Long COVID-hearing loss and tinnitus
Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) | Last Active: May 7 10:05am | Replies (28)Comment receiving replies
I, too, had COVID in 2022. No immediate side effects.
But, starting in 2024, I became aware of tinnitus. The sounds are mostly coming and going. Usually, I hear the sound of the crowds outside my bedroom window. I'm in a ground-floor apartment with a large parking lot outside, but without any traffic. And without any crowds. I wear hearing aids, but the sounds continue at the same level when I take them out. As all the specialists have told me, they don't come in through these ears.
My hearing has continued to deteriorate, and I must increase the volume to hear conversations. I still miss some of it. I'm using a pair of 4-year-old Oticon ON hearing aids (the cost was $6,200). I've looked at many of the newer aids, which don't require a prescription, but they are virtually useless. My hearing has deteriorated so badly.
Back to my Audiologist on Friday to reprogram the Oticons.
Replies to "I, too, had COVID in 2022. No immediate side effects. But, starting in 2024, I became..."
@paulguinzburg - When I first developed tinnitus (fall of 2024; COVID late March 2023), I did lots of reading - I have "regular" - the whooshing or like sounds - and musical which is both amusing and annoying. It is, simply said from my reading and an ENT and a hearing specialist - "in our heads" - not as in 'imaginary", rather to fill space that can no longer hear. I remember when my mom got it - it preceded her hearing loss.
After the ENT did a hearing test and said I needed hearing aids, I did more research. If you are ANYwhere near a COSTCO, and if not a member, join (I think it was $60) - and they do comprehensive free hearing tests. It was far better than the doctor did. In every way. AND the hearing aids (I got Phillips) are great; there are other types, Jabra the most often mentioned by friends - they allow me to adjust from my iphone or on them. I just have to remember to put them on/in every day and after just 4 months, I'm doing better remembering.
They do NOT remove tinnitus/musical tinnitus. In or out, I have it. Sometimes I can ignore it; other times the musical is so loud, it makes me nuts. As of today, at 78, I've closed my business and hope to do more research into tinnitus because I'm curious. The musical is fascinating - how my brain 'decides' what I hear and when is so interesting. I call them my "channels" as if they are radio stations!
Back to cost and helping you hear - if your ENT hasn't helped, please try COSTCO. I was so very very pleased. They have good trial periods w/ no obligation, warranties, etc.
Let us know how you do. This is a journey none of us wanted is it?
Joan
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I understand your frustration. My husband also developed tinnitus after Covid. It is a known side effect of the vaccinations. I’ve had it for many years now, it’s very loud, it’s constant, so you just have to find ways to either tune it out or get used to it, to be frank. I recommend Binaural Beats and white noise if it really gets to you.