Tinnitus following COVID-19 vaccination: report of three cases

Int J Audiol. 2022 Jun;61(6):526-529. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2021.1931969. Epub 2021 Jun 13.

Abstract

Objective: To ensure the safety and quality of vaccines, especially the newest RNA-vaccines against COVID-19, is one of the World Health Organization's current highest priorities.

Design: Case description.

Study sample: We report three cases of sudden unilateral tinnitus following BNT162b2 mRNA-vaccine injection, which rapidly resolved in 2 out of 3 cases.

Results: The mechanism responsible for its development remains unclear. A hypersensitivity reaction with an abnormal autoimmune response or a vasculitic event may be implicated.

Conclusions: Large-scale and well-designed studies are needed to improve surveillance of the COVID-19 vaccine and better define possible adverse reactions involving the cochleo-vestibular system and/or immunisation anxiety-related reactions.

Keywords: BNT162b2; COVID-19; side effects; tinnitus; vaccine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • BNT162 Vaccine
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Tinnitus* / diagnosis
  • Tinnitus* / etiology
  • Vaccination / adverse effects

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • BNT162 Vaccine