COVID-19 Vaccination and Otologic Adverse Events

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have compared the rates of new-onset otologic adverse events among adults who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccination versus influenza vaccination. The study, published in Frontiers in Neurology, found that while both vaccines had similar rates of otologic adverse events, COVID-19 vaccination was associated with lower odds of vertigo and higher odds of aural fullness.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study compared the rates of new-onset otologic adverse events among 20,325 adults who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccination (COVIDVax) versus influenza vaccination (FluVax).
  • The mean age of participants in both cohorts was 65.5 years, with 53.1% (COVIDVax) and 53.8% (FluVax) females.
  • The rates of otologic adverse events in the 6 months post-vaccination were similarly low for both cohorts: 1.16% for any hearing loss, 0.01% for sudden hearing loss, 0.41% for tinnitus, 1.96% for vertigo, 0.27% for otalgia, and 0.09% for aural fullness.
  • COVIDVax patients had lower odds of vertigo (OR 95% CI: 0.81 (0.70, 0.94)) and higher odds of aural fullness (2.16 (1.25-3.72)) than FluVax patients.
  • The study's results indicate a similar otologic safety profile of the two vaccines, although future research is recommended to corroborate the findings.

Statistics:

  • 20,325 adults were included in the study, with 10,162 in the COVIDVax cohort and 10,163 in the FluVax cohort.
  • Both cohorts had a mean age of 65.5 years, with no significant difference between the two groups.
  • The rates of otologic adverse events in the 6 months post-vaccination were:

+ Any hearing loss: 1.16% (COVIDVax) vs. 1.16% (FluVax)

+ Sudden hearing loss: 0.01% (COVIDVax) vs. 0.02% (FluVax)

+ Tinnitus: 0.41% (COVIDVax) vs. 0.47% (FluVax)

+ Vertigo: 1.96% (COVIDVax) vs. 1.59% (FluVax)

+ Otalgia: 0.27% (COVIDVax) vs. 0.25% (FluVax)

+ Aural fullness: 0.09% (COVIDVax) vs. 0.20% (FluVax)

Sources:

  • Comparison of the rates of emergent otologic adverse events following mRNA COVID-19 versus influenza vaccination: a matched cohort analysis. Frontiers in Neurology, 2025;16:1637870.
  • Frontiers Media Sa, Avenue Du Tribunal Federal 34, Lausanne, Ch-1015, Switzerland.