IMPACTO AO SISTEMA AUDITIVO E VESTIBULAR EM PACIENTES PÓS-COVID-19: UMA REVISÃO DE LITERATURA
IMPACTO AO SISTEMA AUDITIVO E VESTIBULAR EM PACIENTES PÓS-COVID-19: UMA REVISÃO DE LITERATURA
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.8208152516099
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Palavras-chave: COVID-19; Otológicas; Sequelas.
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Keywords: COVID-19; Otological; “Sequelae.
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Abstract: The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has demonstrated a broad spectrum of clinical conditions extending beyond the respiratory system, including sequelae in the auditory and vestibular systems, which are often underestimated. However, knowledge regarding the prevalence, pathophysiological mechanisms, and risk factors of these sequelae remains fragmented. The present study is an integrative literature review that aimed to compile current knowledge on the impact of infection on the auditory and vestibular systems in post-COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the main findings, existing gaps, and the urgency for future research. To this end, the databases Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library (BVS) and ScienceDirect were used, with the descriptors "COVID-19," "otological," and "sequelae." Articles published between January 2020 and July 2025 were included. After analyzing 50 articles, 14 were selected, indicating a high prevalence of otological symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness. These studies suggest that female sex and pre-existing conditions are considered risk factors. Consequently, the pathophysiology of these sequelae is multifactorial, involving direct damage mechanisms, such as viral neuropathy, as well as autoimmune processes and ischemic events. In this context, the importance of objective audiological assessment to detect subclinical damage is highlighted, and vaccination is suggested as a protective factor against these sequelae. Therefore, given the lack of longitudinal studies and the recent nature of scientific investigation, it becomes evident that otological sequelae emerge as a clinically relevant aspect associated with COVID-19. In contrast to the prevailing idea of transient manifestations, the persistence of symptoms and the lack of epidemiological data indicate a concerning scenario, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and more effective clinical management, with the goal of reducing long-term impacts on the quality of life of these patients.
- Erick Antunes Fontoura
- João Luiz Mendonça do Amaral