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As more people get the COVID-19 vaccine, the frequency of adverse reaction increases. As of October 2021, nearly 13,000 people have reported tinnitus (ringing in ear) as an adverse reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Keep in mind that this is 1% of the population that have received the COVID-19 vaccine AND reported their adverse reaction. VAERS is co-sponsored program by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is a self-reporting system. Therefore, there could be more cases since not everyone reports adverse reactions. Most people are not aware that this is an adverse reaction because none of the vaccines include tinnitus as a side effect.
There are only few peer reviewed published articles reporting these cases (based on Pubmed search). However, many clinicians such as Otolaryngologist (ENT Doctor), Neurologist, and TMJ specialists are seeing new cases on a weekly basis. In my specific practice, patients that have tinnitus after receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine have similar presentations. They all have a dysfunction in the temporal mandibular joint disorder including disc displacement (jaw clicking and/or locking) and bruxism (clenching), stiffness and pain in the upper neck, and poor posture and spinal alignment. Once these deficits are addressed, along with pharmacological treatment, most patients improve. If you are interested in finding out more about the relationship between neck, jaw, and tinnitus, click HERE.
Although we do not have an understanding of why tinnitus occurs as an adverse reaction, experts agree that there is an abnormal autoimmune response that causes inflammation of the brain. Most cases are reversible and recoverable via conservative steroid management. Therefore, immediate treatment is recommended after experiencing symptoms.
If you or anyone you know suffers from tinnitus or any ear related problems after receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine, please consider taking the following measures.
– Seek medical assistance immediately to discuss treatment options.
– Report side effects to the FDA/CDC’s VAERS by clicking HERE.
Here’s to your health,
Dr. Andrew Seo, DPT
Dr. Andrew Seo, DPT, at the Functional Performance Physical Therapy is dedicated exclusively to the evaluation and treatment of TMJ disorders, craniofacial pain, and neck pain. His approach involves a comprehensive evaluation for proper diagnosis and non-invasive treatments. He provides successful results using research-based individualized treatment in a caring and friendly environment. If you are currently suffering from symptoms listed above and want help immediately or have any questions, visit us at www.fpphysicaltherapy.com. We serve patients from Bryn Mawr, Wayne, Radnor, Havertown, Ardmore, Wynnewood, and the surrounding communities.