Tinnitus following COVID-19 vaccination: report of three cases

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.

Automated summary

This study reported three cases of sudden unilateral tinnitus following BNT162b2 mRNA-vaccine injection, with rapid resolution in 2 out of 3 cases. The mechanism responsible for its development remains unclear, possibly involving a hypersensitivity reaction, an abnormal autoimmune response, or a vasculitic event. Large-scale and well-designed studies are needed to improve surveillance of the COVID-19 vaccine and better define possible adverse reactions.