PP1307 - Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Tinnitus Severity and Psychological Well-Being: A Comprehensive Survey of Pre-Existing and New-Onset Cases

Abstract:
This study examines the prevalence and impact of COVID-19 vaccination and infection on tinnitus, focusing on symptom changes, new case onset that are pandemic-related. Survey data from 778 respondents assessed tinnitus characteristics—including loudness, pitch, anxiety, and interference with daily activities—before and after vaccination/infection. Findings reveal a significant association between vaccination and heightened tinnitus symptoms, with exacerbation in pre-existing cases and higher severity in new-onset cases. These changes impaired sound tolerance and speech perception, underscoring the need for personalized clinical approaches. The results emphasize the importance of further research into vaccination-related auditory effects to enhance care for individuals with tinnitus.

Summary:
Objective
This study evaluates the prevalence and impact of COVID-19 infection and vaccination on tinnitus, with a focus on changes in tinnitus perception, the onset of new cases, and the role of pandemic-related factors such as stress and anxiety on auditory health. Previous research has suggested correlations between tinnitus, altered hearing thresholds, and COVID-19-related factors (Canales Medina & Ramirez Gómez, 2022). Both COVID-19 infection and vaccination have been associated with long-lasting tinnitus symptoms, persisting even after recovery (Viola et al., 2021). Additionally, this study examines vaccination effects on speech perception and sound tolerance among individuals with pre-existing and new-onset tinnitus.

Methods
The study compiled data from multiple surveys with a total of 778 respondents from San Jose State University and the University of Arizona, conducted between 2021 and 2024. These surveys assessed tinnitus characteristics, including loudness, pitch, anxiety, and interference with speech perception and sound tolerance, both before and after COVID-19 vaccination/infection. Standardized assessment tools such as the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), Visual Analogue Numeric Rating Scale, and the 12-Question Short Form Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale were employed to understand tinnitus impacts. Surveys also gathered data on tinnitus interference with daily life, including effects on sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life.

Results
Preliminary results indicate that COVID-19 vaccination is associated with both the exacerbation of pre-existing tinnitus and the onset of new cases. Respondents reported significant increases in tinnitus loudness, pitch, and anxiety levels post-vaccination, with these symptoms showing substantial interference in daily functioning, particularly affecting speech perception in noisy environments. New-onset tinnitus cases demonstrated higher severity in symptom ratings than pre-existing cases, and significant differences were observed in sound tolerance post-vaccination/infection.

Conclusion
This study highlights that COVID-19 vaccination may contribute to heightened tinnitus severity and symptom onset in susceptible individuals. These findings underscore the need for further research into the auditory impacts of COVID-19 vaccination, especially for those with pre-existing auditory conditions. Understanding these effects is crucial for improving clinical care and developing targeted interventions for managing tinnitus during and after the pandemic. The innovative approach of this study lies in its comprehensive examination of both infection and vaccination effects on tinnitus, contributing valuable insights to guide future auditory health management in the context of COVID-19.