Tested Positive for COVID-19 — Tinnitus Spike

[Nick116]

Hi all, just in way of an update; After a few days of mild fever I'm now feeling a lot better and my tinnitus has quietened down a lot, not 100% back to baseline though I'm pleased for some reduction. I suspect the fever aggravated it and I've had a few sleepless nights. I also think that my ears may be a little clogged which probably doesn't help either.

From reading some of your comments above, I believe we will all be exposed to COVID-19 at some point. I don't think anyone can say for example that they haven't had a cold before.

The vaccines do help, I'm double jabbed and who knows what my experience would have been like if I was unvaccinated.

 

[RAA]

Good opinion piece in Newsweek Magazine -- Below is the introductory paragraph...

Why I'm Not Vaccinated | Opinion

"I am not vaccinated. In a sane society, a personal decision like this would not warrant a column, or even an explanation. But we do not live in a sane society. As a healthy 36-year-old woman, COVID-19 does not pose a statistically meaningful threat to my life. I have a 99.97 percent chance of survival. Why would I get a vaccine for a virus that I do not fear and that isn't a threat to my life—particularly when there is an element of risk from the vaccines?"​

Looks like people in Austria will not have a choice anyway if they take the vaccine or not in the new year according to this...

Austria plans compulsory Covid vaccination for all

"Austria is to become the first European country to make vaccinations against Covid 19 mandatory"

Wonder if other countries will follow.

@Nick116 - how are you now? I got COVID-19 3 weeks ago (3 months after my second Pfizer). I had some congestion symptoms (head cold) so my tinnitus spiked a little due to that in the first week. Then last week I had a couple of days where I didn't sleep well and tinnitus was slightly increased/unpredictable. This week though I seem to be going back to my baseline (hearing it mostly in quiet rooms only).

Is your smell coming back yet? I was very lucky that I only lost mine for about 2 or 3 days, both taste/smell back to normal now. The wife though is struggling 2 weeks after infection with this (especially smell) - does seem to be very random how everyone reacts with that.

Wishing you well.

 

[Brandon1994]

I was just wondering how your tinnitus is doing? I recently got COVID-19 and my tinnitus is really loud. Praying it goes back down.

 

[New-To-T]

I was just wondering how your tinnitus is doing? I recently got COVID-19 and my tinnitus is really loud. Praying it goes back down.

I got COVID-19 early December 2021 and it did affect my tinnitus for a couple of days but later it settled back to the previous baseline.

 

[Nick116]

My tinnitus did eventually return back to its baseline. Hope others have the same experience as I have.

 

[Brandon1994]

My tinnitus did eventually return back to its baseline. Hope others have the same experience as I have.

That's awesome! Can you estimate how long it took to return to baseline? I know everyone is different.

 

[Nick116]

I would say just over a week, definitely less than two.

 

[adrian rojas]

Hey guys, I've been sick for the past five days. It first started with a sore throat, then I lost my sense of taste and smell.

For the first three days, my tinnitus stayed at its usual low level. But now, it has ramped up pretty loud. I'm just wondering, has anyone else experienced this while being sick? I've been really congested, and my ear feels like it has air trapped in it.

I'm very worried because my spikes usually last only a few hours before going back down. This is the first time a spike has lasted two days, and it still hasn't returned to baseline.

A friend of mine mentioned that I could take Prednisone. It helped me recover my hearing and reduced my tinnitus during the first onset, which I got from shooting without ear protection. Would it be safe to take Prednisone again, or should I just wait it out?

Right now, it feels like I can't really hear out of my ear because of how stuffed up it is. I could really use some help or advice. Thank you all so much.

Also, I forgot to mention that I took a COVID test and it was negative, so I think this might be a bad strain of the flu.

 

[Ken219]

I suggest seeking medical attention. See a Doctor ASAP.

 

[GregCA]

Right now, it feels like I can't really hear out of my ear because of how stuffed up it is. I could really use some help or advice.

This might be the reason you think you are having a tinnitus spike. Even if the baseline has not changed, it will sound louder because there is little or less external sound to mix in. I suspect that once your hearing returns, you will feel your tinnitus settle back to what you are used to.

 

[kingsfan]

Hey guys, I've been sick for the past five days. It first started with a sore throat, then I lost my sense of taste and smell.

For the first three days, my tinnitus stayed at its usual low level. But now, it has ramped up pretty loud. I'm just wondering, has anyone else experienced this while being sick? I've been really congested, and my ear feels like it has air trapped in it.

I'm very worried because my spikes usually last only a few hours before going back down. This is the first time a spike has lasted two days, and it still hasn't returned to baseline.

A friend of mine mentioned that I could take Prednisone. It helped me recover my hearing and reduced my tinnitus during the first onset, which I got from shooting without ear protection. Would it be safe to take Prednisone again, or should I just wait it out?

Right now, it feels like I can't really hear out of my ear because of how stuffed up it is. I could really use some help or advice. Thank you all so much.

Also, I forgot to mention that I took a COVID test and it was negative, so I think this might be a bad strain of the flu.

Do not take Prednisone while you are sick. It is an immunosuppressant.

You can try Pseudoephedrine for the congestion, and possibly a nasal corticosteroid such as Flonase or Nasonex, though some people have reported spikes with these. Flonase is usually what doctors recommend for fluid in the ear.

What kind of COVID test did you take? If it was a rapid test and not a PCR, then you should take at least one more to rule out any false negatives. You can get a Flu and COVID combination test at any urgent care clinic if you are in the United States. I believe CVS even offers an over-the-counter combined Flu and COVID rapid test.

Illness often causes spikes during the course of the illness, especially when there is fever or congestion. If that is the cause, the spike will likely subside as you recover. COVID can be a risk factor for tinnitus, so it is best to rule it out thoroughly while your viral load is still high enough to be detected. Again, PCR testing is much more sensitive and reliable than over-the-counter rapid tests. Try swabbing your throat as well as nose on your next test.

 

[adrian rojas]

I was also worried because I work in the construction industry, and that day I was around clanking rebar for hours. I always wear my 3M foam earplugs, always in my ear with unilateral tinnitus. I remember that day clearly—my ear started hurting while the earplug was in, and that was when my tinnitus spiked.

I think the pain came from pressure caused by congestion and other buildup in my ear. I first got sick on Friday, but the ringing did not get louder until Monday, and it has stayed that way for two days now. My spikes usually fade within a few hours, so this is unusual. I do not think I have been sick since developing tinnitus, so this is my first time dealing with congestion while having it.

I am praying it will settle down. I still have to work and support my family, but I protect my ears carefully, especially my right one. The only times I take my earplugs out are during breaks, lunch, and after work.