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Tai Y, Jain N, Kim G, Husain FT. Tinnitus and COVID-19: effect of infection, vaccination, and the pandemic. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1508607. [PMID: 39659719 PMCID: PMC11629081 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1508607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2024] [Accepted: 11/13/2024] [Indexed: 12/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic, which began worldwide around March 2020, has had an impact on hearing health, specifically tinnitus and hearing loss. Physiologically, COVID-19 infection, or medication used to treat the infection, has been reported to be a potential risk factor for tinnitus onset. In addition, tinnitus was reported to be a long COVID symptom or to occur after a COVID-19 vaccination in some cases. With most reports focused on the clinical population, this study aimed to investigate how the onset of tinnitus is associated with COVID-19 infection, long COVID, and COVID-19 vaccination in the general population based on self-report, while accounting for otologic and psychological symptoms. Methods In this study, a cross-sectional online survey that included general demographic questions, questions about tinnitus, hearing loss, hyperacusis, emotional status, and the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) was conducted. Results Completed survey data of 1,511 respondents who reported having tinnitus or believed to have COVID-associated tinnitus were included in the analysis. Participants were categorized into four groups based on their judgment regarding the etiology of their tinnitus: (1) COVID infection group, (2) long COVID group, (3) COVID vaccination group, and (4) pre-existing tinnitus group. The results suggest that tinnitus severity (estimated using TFI scores) was significantly lower in the pre-existing tinnitus group than in any of the COVID-associated tinnitus groups. While varying factors were found to contribute to tinnitus severity among the COVID-associated groups, overall, depression and/or anxiety accounted for the most variance in predicting tinnitus severity. Discussion The findings highlight the need to evaluate the impact of varying otologic and psychological symptoms in individuals with COVID-associated tinnitus for better patient-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihsin Tai
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, United States
| | - Namitha Jain
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Becknman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Gibbeum Kim
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Becknman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Fatima T. Husain
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Becknman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
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Bertuccio P, Vigezzi GP, Amerio A, Cavalieri D'oro L, Iacoviello L, Stuckler D, Signorelli C, Zucchi A, Gallus S, Odone A. Health and social home services among community-dwelling older people during COVID-19: Results from the cross-sectional LOST in Lombardia project. Scand J Public Health 2024; 52:262-270. [PMID: 37688313 DOI: 10.1177/14034948231184516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have focused on changes in health and social services access due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to describe changes in the use of selected health and social home services due to the pandemic and to investigate potential associated factors, including socio-demographic characteristics, number of chronic diseases and mental health indicators, among older Italian individuals. METHODS We analysed data from the LOST in Lombardia cross-sectional study conducted in November 2020 on a large representative sample of 4400 individuals aged ⩾65 years. To identify potential factors associated with the increased use of three selected health and social home services, we estimated odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) using multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS Compared to the year before, 5.0% of older adults increased help from domestic workers (vs. 6.9% reducing) during the pandemic, 4.4% increased help from non-familiar caregivers (vs. 1.3% decreasing) and 4.7% increased medical home visits (vs. 1.0% decreasing). An increase in the use of these services was more frequent among participants with co-morbidities (p for trend <0.001), especially with diabetes (for caregivers: OR=12.2, 95% CI 6.0-24.8), and worse mental health (for caregivers and for those with a GAD-2 score ⩾3 vs. <3: OR=10.6, 95% CI 5.8-19.4). Conversely, people living in more crowded households less frequently increased health and social services use during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Our results should inform targeted interventions for the identified vulnerable groups to close the gap in health and social inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy
- Collegio Ca' della Paglia, Fondazione Ghislieri, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Italy
| | | | - Licia Iacoviello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Research Centre in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), University of Insubria, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, Italy
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Zucchi
- Epidemiology Unit, Bergamo Health Protection Agency, Italy
| | - Silvano Gallus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy
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Jedrzejczak WW, Gos E, Ganc M, Raj-Koziak D, Skarzynski PH, Skarzynski H. Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Resting-State Brain Activity in Individuals with Tinnitus. Brain Sci 2024; 14:174. [PMID: 38391748 PMCID: PMC10886959 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This study looked at the possible effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals who came to our clinic seeking relief from tinnitus. The performance of the subjects during the COVID-19 pandemic was compared with similar individuals who came to our clinic before the pandemic began. The study involved 50 adults with chronic tinnitus, made up of a study group (24 subjects tested during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021) and a control group before the pandemic began (26 subjects tested from 2013 to 2017). None of the 24 reported having contracted COVID-19. Data collection involved the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire, audiological tests, and quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). In terms of THI scores, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. However, with regard to qEEG, some changes were observed, with significant decreases in alpha and beta band activity in the study group compared to the control group, particularly over the auditory cortex. We conclude that COVID-19 did not have a discernible impact on the general well-being of individuals with tinnitus. However, it did appear to alter brain activity, specifically in the alpha and beta bands over the auditory cortex, and these reults warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Wiktor Jedrzejczak
- Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Mochnackiego 10, 02-042 Warsaw, Poland
- World Hearing Center, Mokra 17, Kajetany, 05-830 Nadarzyn, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Gos
- Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Mochnackiego 10, 02-042 Warsaw, Poland
- World Hearing Center, Mokra 17, Kajetany, 05-830 Nadarzyn, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Ganc
- Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Mochnackiego 10, 02-042 Warsaw, Poland
- World Hearing Center, Mokra 17, Kajetany, 05-830 Nadarzyn, Poland
| | - Danuta Raj-Koziak
- Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Mochnackiego 10, 02-042 Warsaw, Poland
- World Hearing Center, Mokra 17, Kajetany, 05-830 Nadarzyn, Poland
| | - Piotr H Skarzynski
- Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Mochnackiego 10, 02-042 Warsaw, Poland
- World Hearing Center, Mokra 17, Kajetany, 05-830 Nadarzyn, Poland
- Institute of Sensory Organs, Mokra 1, Kajetany, 05-830 Nadarzyn, Poland
- Heart Failure and Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Kondratowicza 8, 03-242 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Henryk Skarzynski
- Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Mochnackiego 10, 02-042 Warsaw, Poland
- World Hearing Center, Mokra 17, Kajetany, 05-830 Nadarzyn, Poland
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Vigezzi GP, Bertuccio P, Amerio A, Bottini G, Gandola M, Cavalieri d'Oro L, Iacoviello L, Stuckler D, Signorelli C, Zucchi A, Gallus S, Odone A. Grandparenting during pandemic times: pros and cons for mental health. J Public Health (Oxf) 2023; 45:816-821. [PMID: 37632408 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures posed an unprecedented challenge to the crucial role of grandparenting in family-oriented cultures, such as Italy. Reduced contact with grandchildren during this period potentially threatened grandparents' mental health and well-being. METHODS We analysed data from the LOckdown and lifeSTyles in Lombardia cross-sectional study conducted in November 2020. The study included a representative sample of 4400 older adults from Lombardy, Italy, of which 1289 provided childcare to their grandchildren. RESULTS A decrease in self-reported grandparenting was associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms among grandparents (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.01-2.24). Conversely, an increase in grandparenting was linked to poorer sleep quality (OR 11.67, 95% CI 5.88-23.17) and reduced sleep quantity (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.45-4.41). CONCLUSIONS Despite the barriers posed by the pandemic, grandparenting played a beneficial role in maintaining the mental health and well-being of older adults. However, it is crucial to recognise specific vulnerabilities, such as gender, feelings of hopelessness and overcrowding, which can have detrimental effects during and beyond emergency situations. Careful attention to these factors is essential for developing targeted support systems and interventions aimed at safeguarding the mental health of older adults and enhancing their resilience in crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Collegio Ca' della Paglia, Fondazione Ghislieri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- PhD Programme in Psychology, Neuroscience and Data Science, Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriella Bottini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cognitive Neuropsychology Centre, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMi, Milan Centre for Neuroscience, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Gandola
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cognitive Neuropsychology Centre, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMi, Milan Centre for Neuroscience, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Licia Iacoviello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Signorelli
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Zucchi
- Epidemiology Unit, Bergamo Health Protection Agency, 24121 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Silvano Gallus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Bhat V, Onaivi ES, Sharma V. Endocannabinoid system components as potential neuroimmune therapeutic targets in tinnitus. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1148327. [PMID: 37305742 PMCID: PMC10248455 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1148327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Research interest in understanding tinnitus has increased severalfold in the last decade to find a cure for this auditory disorder. Hyperacusis can also accompany tinnitus, although the mechanisms involved in hyperacusis and tinnitus are different. Millions of people suffer from some degree of tinnitus with hearing loss. Tinnitus is believed to be a form of sensory epilepsy, spawning neuronal hyperactivity from the cochlear nucleus and inferior colliculus of the auditory brainstem region. Cannabis has been used for recreation, medicinal purposes, and served as an entheogen from time immemorial. With the current and increasing global medical and recreational cannabis legalization, there is renewed enthusiasm for the use of cannabinoid drugs, and the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in several health disorders including tinnitus which is associated with COVID-19. The ECS signaling pathways have been proposed to affect the underlying pathophysiology of tinnitus. Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) have been found in the auditory system, raising interest in ECS signaling in hearing and tinnitus. However, previous studies mostly in animal models of tinnitus did not investigate the involvement of CB2Rs but focused on CB1R-based responses, which suggested that CB1R ligands had no effect and may even be harmful and worsen tinnitus. With new molecular techniques and transgenic approaches used to dissect the complexity of the ECS, the role of ECS/CB2R neuroimmunological function in the auditory system and tinnitus is emerging. This perspective proposes the role of emerging neuroimmune crosstalk of the ECS in sound-sensing structures of the auditory system as a potential pharmacogenomic therapeutic target using cannabinoid CB2R ligands in tinnitus in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishweshwara Bhat
- Speech Language Pathology, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, United States
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Vigezzi GP, Bertuccio P, Bossi CB, Amerio A, d'Oro LC, Derosa G, Iacoviello L, Stuckler D, Zucchi A, Lugo A, Gallus S, Odone A. COVID-19 pandemic impact on people with diabetes: results from a large representative sample of Italian older adults. Prim Care Diabetes 2022; 16:650-657. [PMID: 35778238 PMCID: PMC9212916 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Restrictions imposed to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission should be weighed against consequences on vulnerable groups' health. Lifestyles and disease management of older people with diabetes might have been differentially impacted compared to non-chronic individuals. METHODS A cross-sectional study (LOST in Lombardia) was conducted on a representative full sample of 4 400 older adults (17th-30th November 2020), collecting data on lifestyles, mental health and access to care before and during the pandemic. RESULTS We compared 947 (51.9%) people with diabetes and 879 (48.1%) healthy subjects reporting no chronic conditions. People with diabetes reported more frequently increased physical activity (odds ratio, OR 2.65, 95% confidence internals, CI 1.69-4.13), drinks/week reduction (OR 6.27, 95%CI 3.59-10.95), increased consumption of fruit (OR 2.06, 95%CI 1.62-2.63), vegetables (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.10-1.82), fish (OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.74-3.64) and olive oil (OR 3.54, 95%CI 2.30-5.46). People with diabetes increased telephone contacts with general practitioners (OR 3.70, 95%CI 2.83-4.83), hospitalisations (OR 9.01, 95%CI 3.96-20.51), visits and surgeries cancellations (OR 3.37, 95%CI 2.58-4.42) and treatment interruptions (OR 1.95, 95%CI 1.33-2.86). CONCLUSIONS Pandemic adverse effects occurred but are heterogenous in a population with chronic diseases, who seized the opportunity to improve health behaviours, despite health system difficulties guaranteeing routine care, within and beyond COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Collegio Ca' della Paglia, Fondazione Ghislieri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Camilla Bonfadini Bossi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Derosa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Centre of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University of Pavia and IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Licia Iacoviello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy; Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Zucchi
- Epidemiology Unit, Bergamo Health Protection Agency, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lugo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvano Gallus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Vigezzi GP, Bertuccio P, Amerio A, Bosetti C, Gori D, Cavalieri d’Oro L, Iacoviello L, Stuckler D, Zucchi A, Gallus S, Odone A, Investigators LILP. Older Adults' Access to Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from the LOckdown and LifeSTyles (LOST) in Lombardia Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811271. [PMID: 36141544 PMCID: PMC9565221 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionally affected older people in terms of clinical outcomes and care provision. We aimed to investigate older adults' changes in access to care during the pandemic and their determinants. We used data from a cross-sectional study (LOST in Lombardia) conducted in autumn 2020 on a representative sample of 4400 older adults from the most populated region in Italy. Lifestyles, mental health, and access to healthcare services before and during the pandemic were collected. To identify factors associated with care delays, reduction in emergency department (ED) access, and hospitalisations, we estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using multivariable log-binomial regression models. During the pandemic, compared to the year before, 21.5% of the study population increased telephone contacts with the general practitioner (GP) and 9.6% increased self-pay visits, while 22.4% decreased GP visits, 12.3% decreased outpatient visits, 9.1% decreased diagnostic exams, 7.5% decreased ED access, and 6% decreased hospitalisations. The prevalence of care delays due to patient's decision (overall 23.8%) was higher among men (PR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05-1.29), subjects aged 75 years or more (PR 1.12, 95% CI 1.00-1.25), and those with a higher economic status (p for trend < 0.001). Participants with comorbidities more frequently cancelled visits and reduced ED access or hospitalisations, while individuals with worsened mental health status reported a higher prevalence of care delays and ED access reductions. Access to care decreased in selected sub-groups of older adults during the pandemic with likely negative impacts on mortality and morbidity in the short and long run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Collegio Ca’ della Paglia, Fondazione Ghislieri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16124 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Bosetti
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Licia Iacoviello
- Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Zucchi
- Epidemiology Unit, Bergamo Health Protection Agency, 24121 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Silvano Gallus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Erinc M, Mutlu A, Celik S, Kalcioglu MT, Szczepek AJ. Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 and the Pandemic on Tinnitus Patients. Front Neurol 2022; 13:921173. [PMID: 35847215 PMCID: PMC9279732 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.921173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effect of COVID-19 and the pandemic period on the tinnitus-related complaints of patients with chronic tinnitus. Ninety-six patients who were diagnosed with chronic tinnitus before the pandemic were enrolled in this study. Before the pandemic and in January 2022, all patients used the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to assess tinnitus loudness, annoyance, and effect on everyday life, sleep, and concentration. Additionally, patients filled the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ). In the entire cohort, tinnitus loudness, annoyance, and tinnitus-induced difficulties with concentration as well as THI and HQ scores increased significantly during the two pandemic years. Thirty-seven tinnitus patients contracted COVID-19 between March 2020 and January 2022. These patients were asked to list leading COVID-19 symptoms, changes in tinnitus complaints during and after the disease, and whether their hearing abilities were affected. Three patients in the COVID-19 group confirmed worsening their hearing abilities. There was no decrease in the tinnitus complaint during COVID-19, 24.3% of the infected patients reported exacerbation of tinnitus, and 75.7% said tinnitus remained the same. In the COVID-19-negative group, 13.5% reported tinnitus decrease during the pandemic, 57.6% said it remained the same, and 28.8% reported exacerbation of tinnitus. When split into infected and non-infected groups, a significant increase in tinnitus loudness, tinnitus effect on concentration, and THI scores were seen only in patients who contracted COVID-19, while hyperacusis worsened significantly (p < 0.05) only in COVID-19-negative tinnitus patients. Despite significant differences within the groups, there were no differences found between the groups. This study points to possible different effects of the infection with SARS-CoV-2 and the pandemic period on patients with chronic tinnitus. It also provides evidence for deterioration of preexisting tinnitus as a possible long-term effect of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Erinc
- Department of Audiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Mutlu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Goztepe Prof. Dr. Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serdal Celik
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mahmut Tayyar Kalcioglu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Goztepe Prof. Dr. Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- *Correspondence: Mahmut Tayyar Kalcioglu
| | - Agnieszka J. Szczepek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
- Agnieszka J. Szczepek
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