Audio-Vestibular Profil of COVID-۱۹; Systematic Review and Metaanalys

Introduction:After more than a year of the COVID-۱۹ 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-۱۹ 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 ۲۶ final studies, ۲۰ studies dealt with the effects of COVID-۱۹ on the auditory and vestibular system, and six articles examined the COVID-۱۹ effects on hearing-impaired people and patients. In these studies, dizziness (۱۷.۸%), tinnitus (۸.۱%), and vertigo (۲.۸%) were common symptoms. Most studies were case reports (۴۲.۳۰%), and in terms of quality, nine studies (۳۴.۶۱%) were in the suitable quality group.Conclusions:COVID-۱۹ 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-۱۹ pandemic has caused communication and social challenges, particularly for people with hearing loss.