The public was never informed by the agency about the findings made while analyzing data from its Vaccine Safety Datalink system, which revealed potential links between Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and tinnitus. Despite being aware of this safety signal as early as 2022, the CDC chose not to disclose this information to the public. The agency also failed to update a reporter who had inquired about the presence of tinnitus cases post-vaccination. This lack of transparency raises questions about the CDC’s handling of vaccine safety information and highlights the need for greater public awareness and accountability in vaccine monitoring. Yih forwarded an “outline of tinnitus exploration” to Dr. Shimabukuro and other officials. She mentioned that the “outline for a possible report on COVID vaccination and tinnitus” was created at the request of another official. However, large portions of the emails were redacted.
On Dec. 16, 2022, results from the analysis of VSD data were published. The study, which was co-authored by Yih and others, did not mention tinnitus. Yih did not provide any comment when requested.
On Jan. 8, 2023, Ms. Sharan informed Ms. Haelle that the CDC did not have enough evidence to support an epidemiologic study on tinnitus in VSD.
Despite Ms. Haelle’s efforts, the CDC did not share the results of its analyses.
Ms. Haelle’s article was published on Feb. 21, 2023. She mentioned that the CDC stated it found no evidence of tinnitus diagnoses clustering following vaccination but did not publish the analysis or share the preliminary report.
Other researchers and countries have identified a link between tinnitus and COVID-19 vaccines.
U.S. researchers suggested an association between the vaccines and tinnitus based on VAERS data in early 2022.
Australian and South Korean researchers reported an increased risk of tinnitus in vaccinated individuals, including those who received Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.
The European Medicines Agency added tinnitus to the labels for AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines due to increasing evidence of a link. Australian regulators also added tinnitus to the labels for AstraZeneca and Novavax COVID-19 vaccines.
The method by which vaccines may cause tinnitus remains unconfirmed. Some researchers believe the vestibulocochlear nerve may be involved, while others suggest inflammation as the culprit. Treatments include ivermectin and ganglion blocks.
Overall, there are mixed findings regarding the link between COVID-19 vaccination and tinnitus, with some studies reporting an increase in tinnitus cases post-vaccination and others finding no such association. Please rewrite this sentence.
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