Effects of social distancing on the incidence of Bell’s palsy and sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

BackgroundThe aetiology of idiopathic facial nerve palsy (Bell's palsy, BP) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) are not known. It has been proposed that common respiratory tract viruses play a part in the pathophysiology of these diseases. ObjectivesThe incidence of many infectious diseases decreased during the lockdown of the society that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated a possible change in the incidence of BP and SSNHL during the lock-down. Material and MethodsWe searched the patient records for all BP and SSNHL cases between 1 Jan 2017 − 31 Aug 2020 at the hospital district of Helsinki and Uusimaa that covers a population of about 1.2 million. ResultsTitle: Effects of social distancing on the incidence of Bell's palsy ...