Prevalence of tinnitus among patients of post COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The Corona Virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by the new corona virus 2019 (coV-19). It is an infectious disease that spreads easily affecting the respiratory system and can be fatal. Despite the pulmonary difficulties, it can also have a negative impact on the hearing system. Objective: To find out the prevalence of tinnitus among post covid 19 patients. Methodology: From May 2023 to November 2023 a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital Lahore and university of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Pakistan to ascertain the of prevalence of tinnitus among patients who had recovered from COVID-19. Sample size was 110 patients which was calculated through online calculator. Calculated on the basis of prevalence of tinnitus 76% by using 95% confidence level and 5% confidence interval through online calculator. The technique of non-probability purposive sampling was employed. Patients of both sexes aged, 20-45,who complained of tinnitus either before or after COVID-19,were also included .Patients with comorbidities(e.g diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension etc) were excluded. A self-design performa, was used. Data was analyzed through SPSS version 25.0 package. Results: There were 110 patients total, with 69 (62.7%) men patients and 41 (37.3%) women patients. Most patients 59 (53.6%) were in age group 41-45 years. 45 (40.9%) patients experienced tinnitus from which 19(17.2%) experienced bilaterally, 26(23.6%) patients experienced unilaterally. 20(18.2%) patients experienced tinnitus in less than one year,18(16.4%) experienced tinnitus in one year and 7(6.4%) patients experienced in 2 years Vertigo 30 (27.3%) was also seen as a symptom. Conclusion: This study concluded that tinnitus is one of the most frequent complications COVID-19 participants. 

Keywords: COVID-19, Tinnitus, Vertigo, Questionnaire