Bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss caused by alcohol abuse and heroin sniffing

Abstract

Objective. Acute or chronic heroin abuse has been associated with various central neurologic pathologies and, occasionally, with peripheral nervous system damage. The effect of heroin on hearing has not been adequately documented, although several cases with sudden hearing loss owed to heroin abuse have been reported. We present a young male with bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss, following heroin sniffing and alcohol consumption. Methods. Our patient underwent a detailed clinical and audiological evaluation, including auditory brainstem responses and otoacoustic emission. Routine laboratory blood tests and imaging studies were performed. Results. The patient was treated with corticosteroids and magnesium, resulting in complete restoration of hearing after one month. Conclusion. Sudden hearing loss owed to heroin abuse is usually curable, following adequate treatment.