Reporting on Adverse Clinical Events

A retrospective review was performed regarding the possible relationship between hearing disorders and the administration of the COVID vaccine. Data were used from the US Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) between January 2020 and November 2021. A total of 14 956 and 151 reports of hearing-related adverse events were identified related to the COVID and influenza vaccines, respectively. The incidence of hearing disorder following COVID vaccination was 6.66/100 000. Further analysis revealed that reports of COVID vaccine–related hearing impairment was higher for both mRNA (reporting odds ratio [ROR] = 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.20-2.55) and virus vector vaccines (ROR = 2.50, 95% CI = 2.28-2.73). Reports of hearing dysfunction associated with the influenza vaccine were lower (ROR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.30-0.42). Based on this retrospective review of VAERS database reports, the authors identified an increased risk for hearing disorder following administration of both mRNA and virus vector COVID vaccines compared with influenza vaccination. COVID Vaccine [COVID Vaccine] Chen C et al (Jie Xiao: Department of Pharmacy, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, 2999 Jinshan Road, Huli District, Xiamen, China; e-mail: yfxjbz666@163.com) Hearing disorder following COVID-19 vaccination: a pharmacovigilance analysis using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. J Clin Pharm Ther 47:1789–1795 (Nov) 2022