A study of the effect of pregnant mothers’ affliction with Covid-19 on hearing loss in infants

Abstract Problem There are limited and sometimes contradictory results in the literature regarding the effect of pregnant mothers’ affliction with Covid-19 on infants’ hearing. Background Hearing loss can have numerous negative consequences. Viruses can affect infants’ hearing. The results concerning mothers with Covid-19 are inconsistent. Aim This study intends to investigate the effect of mothers’ affliction with Covid-19 on fetuses’ hearing. Methods This study was conducted retrospectively in 2021. Seventy-six infants were placed in the experiment group, and 76 in the control group. The TEOAE test results were recorded. In case of referral, the results of the next tests (TEOAE, AABR) were recorded 15 days later. When repeated referral was required, ABR was recorded for awareness of the infant’s hearing condition. Findings Forty-two infants in the Covid-19 group, and 29 in the control group gained referral results in the first hearing screening test. In the second screening, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Regarding the first trimester, the results showed that there was a significant difference in the first screening test (P < 0.05) but not between different trimesters ( P > 0.05). Discussion The results show that mothers’ affliction with Covid-19 transiently affects the first hearing screening test in infants. Additionally, affliction with Covid-19 in the first trimester affects the first hearing screening test results more compared to other trimesters, but has no effect on the second screening results. Conclusion Mothers’ Covid-19 during pregnancy has a transient effect on, but no threat to the infants’ hearing. Statement of significance Problem: The results of studies on the effect of pregnant women’s affliction with Covid-19 on infants’ hearing are limited and, in some cases, contradictory. What is already known: Affliction with some viruses like cytomegalovirus during pregnancy can result in hearing loss in infants. Hearing loss in adults subsequent to Covid-19 disease has been reported. The likelihood of the vertical transmission of the virus has not yet been precisely accounted for. Some studies have discussed the likelihood of vertical transmission, whereas no claim has been made in this regard in other studies. What this paper adds: The results of the present study show that mothers’ affliction with the Covid-19 disease can affect the results of the first hearing screening test in infants, but this effect is not permanent. It was also found that affliction with Covid-19 in the first pregnancy trimester affects the results of the first hearing screening test more compared to the other trimesters, but has no effect on the results of the second screening test.