A recent study has uncovered that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19, is capable of infecting the human inner ear. This groundbreaking finding adds to the existing knowledge about viruses, such as cytomegalovirus, mumps, and hepatitis, which are known to cause deafness, though their exact mechanisms remain unclear.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers Gehrke and Stankovic had embarked on a project to develop cellular models for studying inner ear infections. Their work aims to understand the molecular underpinnings of how viruses, including those causing mumps, chickenpox, measles, and hepatitis, lead to deafness by infecting the inner ear.

Vestibular neuritis, an inner ear infection, results in inflammation and swelling of the vestibular nerve, crucial for balance. Typically, this infection is caused by a virus, which could originate from the inner ear or other body parts, like in cases of chicken pox.

Another condition, Acute Vestibular Syndrome (AVS), can stem from inner ear infections or stroke. Viruses, particularly from the HSV family, are often responsible for inner ear infections leading to AVS. In contrast, stroke as a cause of AVS is more common in patients with stroke risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Middle ear infections, while more prevalent in children, can also affect adults. These infections usually begin following upper respiratory problems, leading to fluid buildup and inflammation in the middle ear. This can result in symptoms like a plugged feeling in the ear and reduced eustachian tube function, which balances ear pressure.

This study by Gehrke and Stankovic is crucial in understanding how the SARS-CoV-2 virus and other viruses affect the inner ear, potentially causing deafness. Their research could pave the way for better treatments and preventive strategies for inner ear infections.

For more detailed information on these topics, visit the following sources: MIT News, Stanford Medicine Scope, Ohio State Medical Center, and Stanford Medicine.