Scientists have warned that people suffering from long Covid could experience hearing loss for months.
Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University carried out an online survey among 3,103 people and found that some people suffering from tinnitus had only experienced the condition after they developed coronavirus symptoms.
Tinnitus is the name for hearing noises that are not caused by an outside source, it can sound like ringing, buzzing or hissing, among other things.
The researchers said this suggests that tinnitus could be a long Covid symptom in some cases.
The study also found that coronavirus symptoms worsened tinnitus for 40% of people with the hearing condition.
The study also indicated that stress factors such as fear of catching Covid-19, financial concerns, loneliness and trouble sleeping made tinnitus more bothersome in 32% of respondents.
Lead author Dr Eldre Beukes, a research fellow in Vision and Hearing Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, said: "The findings of this study highlight the complexities associated with experiencing tinnitus and how both internal factors, such as increased anxiety and feelings of loneliness, and external factors, such as changes to daily routines, can have a significant effect on the condition.
"Some of the changes brought about by Covid-19 appear to have had a negative impact on the lives of people with tinnitus and participants in this study reported that Covid-19 symptoms are worsening or, in some cases, even initiating tinnitus and hearing loss.
"This is something that needs to be closely examined by both clinical and support services."
The study indicated that 46% of UK respondents believe that their tinnitus is being made worse by social distancing measures introduced to help control the spread of the virus.
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David Stockdale, chief executive of the British Tinnitus Association and a co-author of the study, said: "With the second wave of Covid-19 and the resulting national lockdown likely to increase feelings of stress and isolation, it's vital that we don't see the same mistakes as before when it comes to community health provision for people with tinnitus.
"Poor treatment of tinnitus in the early stages often leads to much worse cases and severe tinnitus can have a huge impact on mental health.
"With this in mind, as the Covid-19 second wave takes hold, the healthcare system needs to ensure that anyone who develops tinnitus or experiences a worsening of their condition can access the professional healthcare support they need as quickly as possible."
