The management of sudden sensorineural hearing loss during COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic constituted a significant challenge for healthcare systems. Epidemiological restrictions led to deferral of healthcare and influenced the variety of symptoms reported by patients suffering from Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the duration of treatment implementation and symptoms reported by patients suffering from SSNHL before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: Patients admitted to the Military Institute of Medicine - National Research Institute for SSNHL treatment were included in a survey conducted between 01.10.2021-31.12.2021. Questions on symptoms reported, chronic conditions, timeframe between first symptoms and implementation of pharmacotherapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy were included in the survey. The results were compared with data obtained by the Team between 01.2017-12.2019. Results: 34 patients (19 females, 15 males) of the average age of 46.3 who participated in the survey indicated a significantly delayed implementation of pharmacotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in comparison to population from before the pandemic (12.08 vs . 5.41 [days]; 17.5 vs . 8.29 [days]). The survey also showed differences in the number of symptoms reported. Discussion: The differences in time of implementation of SSNHL treatment could have been related to pandemic restrictions which contributed to longer queueing for health benefits and fear of contact with health service. Differences in symptomatology point towards SARS-CoV-2 as a pathogenetic factor of SSNHL. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss. The study demonstrated a diverse symptomatology of SSNHL before and during the pandemic.