Effects of social distancing on the incidence of Bell's palsy and sudden sensorineural hearing loss. (1st February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hafrén, Lena; Saarinen, Riitta; Lundberg, Marie
• Is Part Of: Acta oto-laryngologica. Volume 142:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 220
• Page End: 223
• Publication Date: 2022-02-01
• Subjects: Aetiology -- Bell's palsy -- COVID-19 -- facial nerve palsy -- facial palsy -- SARS-CoV-2 -- sensorineural hearing loss -- upper respiratory infection; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Ear -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Throat -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Electronic Resources; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases; 617.8
• DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2021.2025425
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-6489

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The aetiology of idiopathic facial nerve palsy (Bell's palsy, BP) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) are not known. It has been proposed that common respiratory tract viruses play a part in the pathophysiology of these diseases. Objectives: The incidence of many infectious diseases decreased during the lockdown of the society that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated a possible change in the incidence of BP and SSNHL during the lock-down. Material and Methods: We searched the patient records for all BP and SSNHL cases between 1 Jan 2017 − 31 Aug 2020 at the hospital district of Helsinki and Uusimaa that covers a population of about 1.2 million. Results: The mean monthly incidence on BP decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down. No change in the SSNHL incidence was discovered. Conclusions and Significance: There is reason to speculate that one aetiologic reason for BP are transmittable respiratory tract pathogens.