United States: In the United States, health experts are uncovering new risks and complications associated with COVID-19 infection. One such concern is the potential relationship between the virus and its presence in the ears of infected individuals.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can remain in the middle ear of infected individuals for at least a month after the initial infection. Researchers involved in the study suggest a possible connection between the virus and the development of Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) following an Omicron infection.
OME is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear, often resulting in temporary hearing impairment. This condition primarily affects children aged three to seven years old and can occur during periods of illness such as colds, sore throats, or respiratory infections.
Chengzhou Han from Wuxi Huishan District People’s Hospital in China, who participated in the study, emphasized the presence of the virus in the middle ear and its potential impact on OME. Han noted that the virus was detectable in the middle ear nearly a month after Omicron infection, suggesting a need for revised treatment strategies and increased vigilance among otolaryngologists.

The study, conducted between January and June 2023, included 23 patients aged 32 to 84, all of whom exhibited OME following Omicron infection. Among these patients, 21 experienced unilateral symptoms.
Results showed an 88 percent increase in fluid accumulation in the ear, with the SARS-CoV-2 virus detected in 12 percent of samples, indicating a potential link between COVID-19 infection and the onset of OME.
Researchers concluded that their findings provide compelling evidence of a possible otological manifestation of OME following COVID-19 infection, highlighting the diverse implications of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.