Covid-19 is marked by common symptoms like cough, cold, fever, sore throat and fatigue among others. However, there are also several non-respiratory symptoms like headache, loss of smell and taste, back pain and muscle ache. And now, several patients are experiencing hearing loss or ringing in the ears, which experts have termed as ‘Covid ear’.“Coronavirus attacks lungs. But, apart from affecting the respiratory system, it also affects the ear, nose and throat. Loss of smell and taste are among the peculiar symptoms of Covid-19. In addition, multiple patients also reported hearing loss along with ringing sounds in the ear, known as tinnitus. This is known as Covid ear,” Dr Santosh Jha, Pulmonologist and Critical Care Specialist, Transition Care, said. Explaining Covid ear, Dr Jha said, As per researchers, the inner tissue of the human ear contains proteins that are susceptible to attack by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Thus, our ear may also show signs in the form of loss of balance or tinnitus. Further, the experts listed a few symptoms that indicate you might be experiencing Covid ear.
*Loss of hearing
*Tinnitus
*Loss of balance
*Ear pain The persistence of Covid ear depends on the severity of symptoms. “Mild symptoms can recover over a short period of time (7-14 days). Severe imbalance or hearing loss can take a longer time to recover,” Dr Jha elucidated. He, further, asked patients to consult an ENT specialist in case of severe symptoms. If you are experiencing Covid ear, here’s what you can do, as suggested by the expert. Covid-19 Care Guide
*Use separate dishes, cups, eating utensils, and bedding from the person infected.
*The person with infection should rest; drink plenty of fluids; eat nutritious food; and continue any medications for chronic conditions.
*Get vaccinated as soon as it is your turn.
*Take paracetamol/acetaminophen for fever and/or body pain according to instructions. Antibiotics are not effective against Covid-19 infection.
*Monitor the infected person regularly. Call your healthcare provider immediately if there is difficulty in breathing, confusion, chest pain, or loss of speech or mobility. To check oxygen saturation, Covid-19 patients can use a pulse oximeter. But before using it, one should know how to use it correctly.
*Rest for 10-15 mins before taking measurements
*Rest a hand on the chest and hold still
*Place the oximeter in the middle or index finger
*Keep it in the same place till the reading is stable
*Register the highest result once the reading has been stabilized
*Identify the reading carefully
*Start recording from the baseline and record thrice a day unless you notice any changes in your health
*Consult a medical professional in case of breathlessness or dip in oxygen levels to 93 per cent or fear Experts also suggest that prone position or lying face down on your stomach with deep breathing can help.
“When a patient is in the prone position, due to gravity, air moves up to the air sack. This helps in better distribution of oxygen to the lungs and other parts of the body. There is no adverse effect related to the position, however, we must keep in mind that pruning is not the sole solution to improve oxygen level. And it should be complemented with other necessary treatments as well,” said Dr Praveen Gupta, director and head of department, neurology, Fort is Memorial Research Institute, Guru gram.
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