Shedding Light on SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, COVID-19 Vaccination, and Auditory Symptoms: Causality or Spurious Conjunction?

ABSTRACT: There are reports of associations between SARS-CoV2, COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, and auditory symptoms (hearing difficulty, tinnitus). However, most studies have relied on self-report and lack baseline and/or non-COVID control groups. This makes it problematic to differentiate if symptoms are associated with SARS-CoV2, COVID-19, the vaccine, psychosocial factors or recall bias. In this study, we differentiate these by comparing hearing and tinnitus survey data collected pre- and during the pandemic. The survey conducted during the pandemic asked about the onset and change in three types of symptom. Type One-known association (loss of smell, memory/concentration issues, persistent fatigue), Type Two-indeterminate association (auditory symptoms), and Type Three-no established association wi

SUBMITTER: Saunders GH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8919951 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature