Donors help fund research into long-term impact of COVID-19 on hearing

The University’s audiology experts are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the long-term impact of COVID-19 on adult hearing, thanks to financial support from donors.

Earlier this year, many of our supporters donated towards the University’s medical research response, resulting in the establishment of a special research fund.

Along with generous contributions from charitable sources, the fund will support research investigating the possible impact of COVID-19 on adult hearing taking place at the Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness. The research is being carried out by Professor of Audiology, Kevin Munro, and his team.

In one study, following up with adults diagnosed with COVID-19 eight weeks after hospital discharge, more than 1 in 10 self-reported a deterioration in their hearing or the presence of tinnitus (noises in their ears).

“We already know that viruses such as measles, mumps and meningitis can cause hearing loss and coronaviruses can damage the nerves that carry information to and from the brain”, says Professor Munro. “It is possible, in theory, that COVID-19 could cause problems with parts of the auditory system including the middle ear or cochlea.”

The University is currently leading the world on hearing-related COVID-19 research and is arguably the only UK centre with the facilities (including the UK’s only hearing research van), expertise and agility to take the next bold step to understanding the links between COVID-19 and hearing loss.

To read the full story and to find out more about Professor Munro’s research, click here.