Fig. 7. Potential paths for SARS-CoV-2 entry into the inner ear.
Arrows indicate potential paths via the nose and olfactory foramina (OF) into the central nervous system; via the endolymphatic sac (ES); via labyrinthine artery (LA) to ultimately reach stria vascularis; via round window (RW) and oval window (OW) membranes which the virus could reach through the Eustachian tube (ET) or external auditory canal (EAC), middle ear and mastoid. The diagram within this figure was drawn by Chris Gralapp and is being reproduced with permission.