Audio-Vestibular Profile of COVID-19; Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: After more than a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, audio-vestibular problems have been reported as consequences. Several limited case report studies with different methodologies were published. This study aimed to describe the impact of COVID-19 on the auditory-vestibular system and communication problems in subjects with hearing impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current systematic review was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline. PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to find relevant articles using combined keywords. RESULTS: Out of 26 final studies, 20 studies dealt with the effects of COVID-19 on the auditory and vestibular system, and six articles examined the COVID-19 effects on hearing-impaired people and patients. In these studies, dizziness (17.8%), tinnitus (8.1%), and vertigo (2.8%) were common symptoms. Most studies were case reports (42.30%), and in terms of quality, nine studies (34.61%) were in the suitable quality group. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 might cause auditory-vestibular system problems by directly affecting the structures or functions of the inner ear or by weakening the immune system. The need for taking preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused communication and social challenges, particularly for people with hearing loss.