Hearing Loss in Amphetamine Users

Abstract

Sensory perceptions are modified by amphetamines. Prolonged and heavy use can lead to neuronal damage, neurotransmitter depletion and receptor supersensitivity. Sensorineural deafness had been reported in chronic users of volatile inhalants, alcohol and heroin. There are no reports of hearing problems with amphetamines. Hearing loss was identified in seven amphetamine-dependent inpatients in the detox unit at AI Amal Hospital, Jeddah. Subjects were men aged 18 and over who met DSM IV criteria for substance dependence. The hearing loss was suspected on clinical grounds during the admission interview, and was quite noticeable. Both ears were similarly affected. The symptom mostly appeared three to eight hours after ingestion of the tablets, and did not develop every time the drug was used. Hearing was apparently recovered in every case within four to ten days of cessation of amphetamine use. During the hearing loss, sounds were perceived as less loud and less sharp compared to normal. These cases suggest that chronic amphetamine use may result in reversible hearing loss. The various mechanisms by which this might occur are discussed. The author concludes that these observations should be replicated with a large group of subjects and recommends further investigations to elucidate the nature and site of the damage.