Tinnitus made worse by Covid symptoms and fear of outbreak

CORONAVIRUS symptoms worsened tinnitus for 40 per cent of people with the condition, a study has indicated.

Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University carried out an online survey among 3,103 people with tinnitus from 48 countries, with most from the UK and America.

The team found Covid-19 symptoms exacerbated tinnitus in 40 per cent of respondents, made no change in 54 per cent, and improved the condition in 4 per cent.

Their report said a small number of participants reported their condition was triggered when they developed coronavirus symptoms. The researchers said this suggests tinnitus could be a long Covid symptom in some cases.

The study also indicated stress factors such as fear of catching Covid-19, financial concerns, loneliness and trouble sleeping made tinnitus more bothersome in 32 per cent of respondents.

Tinnitus is the name for hearing noises that are not caused by an outside source. It can sound like ringing, buzzing or hissing.

Dr Eldré Beukes , the lead author, a research fellow in vision and hearing sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, said: “The findings 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.”

Rebecca Edgar, 29, from Clacton-onSea in Essex, has had tinnitus since childhood following an infection in her cochlea. She has not had Covid-19 symptoms but said stress has made her tinnitus “the worst it has ever been”.

The study is published in the journal