Middle ear status – structure, function and pathology: A scoping review on middle ear status of COVID-19 positive patients

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is the latest public health emergency that has presented challenges globally. Limited evidence exists on the association between COVID-19 and middle ear pathologies, regardless of the respiratory nature of some of the core symptoms.Objective: This scoping review aimed at exploring evidence on the effects of COVID-19 on middle ear functioning as part of symptom mapping and preventive planning for ear and hearing care.Method: Electronic bibliographic databases, including Medline, ProQuest, PubMed, Science Direct, ERIC and Scopus, were searched to identify peer reviewed publications, published in English, between December 2019 and January 2022, related to the effects of COVID-19 on middle ear functioning. The keywords used as MeSH terms included ‘middle ear pathology’, ‘middle ear disorder’, ‘otitis media’, ‘hearing loss’, ‘hearing impairment’, ‘audiology’ and ‘COVID-19’ or ‘coronavirus’.Results: From eight studies that met the inclusion criteria, the findings revealed that middle ear pathologies occur in this population, with the occurrence ranging from 1.15% to 75%. Tympanic membrane structural changes, otitis media and conductive hearing loss (CHL) were commonly reported. The current findings must be interpreted with caution given that most of the studies reviewed had extremely small sample sizes or were case studies or series, thus limiting generalisability.Conclusion: The findings highlight the value of strategic research planning to collate data during pandemics, ensuring that future studies use appropriate and well-designed methodologies. Trends and patterns of middle ear pathologies in this population must also be established to determine the need for periodic monitoring.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection Caused COVID-19 Related Otitis Media Is Commonly Existed with Good Prognosis

“…However, only two cases with otitis media with effusion have shown the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 isolated from the middle ear, while other cases were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in the nasopharynx without certain evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the middle ear [16] [17] [18] [19] [20]. Here, we report a group of outpatient cases in which the nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 was tested positively in the middle ear effusion, demonstrating the previous speculation that the SARS-CoV-2 can infect the middle ear [12] [21] [22] [23].…”

Effect of COVID-19 on the characteristics and outcome of patients who have otitis media with effusion: a case-control study

“…In particular, Sebothoma et al reviewed eight studies that examined the effects of COVID-19 on middle ear function and found that middle ear-related symptoms, including otalgia and aural fullness, were common. In fact, among all symptoms, otalgia was the most common middle ear-related symptom reported in these eight studies [11]. This discrepancy may be related to differences in the sample sizes and patient ages.…”

The impact of COVID-19 on speech–language and hearing professions in low- and middle-income countries: Challenges and opportunities explored

“…Additionally, Karrim et al ( 2022 ) raised challenges with criteria, strategies and technical skills required for the utilisation of telerehabilitation by speech–language therapists and audiologists. For example, challenges were highlighted on telerehabilitation in children with autism spectrum disorder; middle ear assessments (Sebothoma & Khoza-Shangase, 2022 ); therapy for speech, language and swallowing following stroke (Tar-Mahomed & Kater, 2022 ); early communication intervention (Achmat & Gerber, 2022 ); neonatal feeding in neonatal intensive care units (Coutts et al, 2022 ); and geriatric audiology service provision in old age homes (De Andrade & Landman, 2022 ).…”