A new study highlights the connection between Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) and auditory functions, particularly tinnitus and cognitive fatigue, revealing important implications for those suffering from the lingering effects of COVID-19.
The research involved 82 participants, with 37 individuals suffering from PASC, characterized by subjective symptoms like cognitive fatigue, depression, and increased tinnitus. Auditory processing was assessed through the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test, which provides objective measurements of how well the auditory system is functioning.
Findings suggest that those with PASC exhibited significantly higher wave V latency increases when tested using fast clicking stimuli, compared to slower rates. This latency increase correlated with subjective cognitive fatigue scores, indicating a potential link between auditory processing changes and cognitive symptoms.
The study also found that younger PASC subjects demonstrated elevated V/I amplitude ratios—indicators of central gain—suggesting that these individuals might be particularly vulnerable to the auditory impacts of COVID-19 when compared to their age-matched controls.
Furthermore, the results point to a higher prevalence of tinnitus and perceived hearing handicaps in PASC patients, emphasizing the importance of understanding these auditory symptoms in relation to cognitive fatigue and overall mental health.
This research signals a significant stride toward establishing objective measures for subjective cognitive fatigue often reported by long-COVID patients, suggesting alterations in the central auditory pathways may contribute to the unique challenges faced by this population.
In conclusion, the study advocates for further exploration into auditory functions and their relationships with cognitive symptoms in individuals experiencing PASC, aiming to better understand the long-term manifestations of COVID-19 on auditory and cognitive health.
