Risk Of Sensorineural Hearing Loss Research Articles

Risk of Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Bilirubin Exchange Transfusion Thresholds

Risk of Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Bilirubin Exchange Transfusion Thresholds

Hearing Outcomes after Revision Stapedectomy Managed with Total Ossicular Prostheses.

(1) To describe the use of total ossicular prostheses (TOPs) in the setting of stapedectomy requiring an incus bypass procedure. (2) To analyze the short- and long-term audiometric results of TOP utilization in the setting of stapedectomy for an incus bypass procedure. Case series with chart review. Tertiary neurotologic referral center. Seventeen cases of TOP reconstruction after stapedectomy were performed due to advanced incus erosion. The cases were assessed for pre- and postoperative bone conduction and air conduction pure-tone averages (PTAs; 0.5, 1, 2, 3 kHz), including high-tone bone conduction (1, 2, 4 kHz), air-bone gap, and speech discrimination scores. Hearing outcomes were measured: short-term (3 weeks) and long-term (average, 22 months). Among 17 ears undergoing revision stapedectomy managed with TOP reconstruction, the average number of previous revision attempts was 1.0 (SD, 1; range, 1-5). The preoperative bone conduction PTA was 30.7 dB preoperatively, while the preoperative air conduction PTA was 64.3 dB. The mean postoperative air-bone gap significantly decreased to 18.9 dB (SD, 12.7; range, 5-46.25; P < .003) with a mean follow-up of 22.2 months (SD, 25.0; range, 0.75-78). No significant decrement in high-tone bone conduction PTA was observed (mean, 0 dB; SD, 12.8; range, -36.7 to 20; P = .427); however, 1 ear revealed a severe decrease in PTA and speech discrimination score postoperatively. No further revisions were noted in follow-up. TOP reconstruction in the setting of previous revision stapedectomy with limited incudovestibular reconstructive options may lead to favorable hearing outcomes, but it carries an increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss.

Short-term cohort study on sensorineural hearing changes in head and neck radiotherapy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and the relationship between SNHL and radiation dose to the cochlea and frequency range of hearing loss in patients with head and neck cancer. Pure tone audiometry at 250-12,000 Hz was performed on 29 patients diagnosed with head and neck tumours who were treated with 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy and followed up for 6 months. Paired t test indicated that the mean air conduction threshold before and after radiotherapy was significantly different (paired t test, p < 0.001). SNHL was observed in 15 patients (51 %) according to CTCAE. SNHL increased to 77 % in patients who had received at least five concurrent cisplatin cycles. There was an increased risk of SNHL for ears receiving a mean dose of 5000 cGy compared to those receiving <5000 cGy. SNHL was more severe at higher frequencies of pure tone audiometry in patients with cisplatin-based chemoradiation. The ototoxicity effect of radiation and cisplatin must be considered in the treatment of head and neck tumours. Increasing the dose of cisplatin, radiation dose of cochlea and follow-up interval time may result in increasing severity and frequency of hearing loss incidences. However, characteristic of radiation-induced SNHL seems to be different from chemoradiation-induced SNHL.

Lateral-to-Malleus Underlay Tympanoplasty

The lateral-to-malleus underlay tympanoplasty (LMUT) involves dissection of the tympanic membrane remnant from the malleus with subsequent graft placement medial to the annulus but lateral to the malleus. The objective of the current study is to describe the clinical outcomes using the LMUT technique. One hundred forty-one ears undergoing LMUT. To isolate the effects of tympanoplasty on audiometric outcome, only cases with an intact and mobile ossicular chain were evaluated; ears with ossicular discontinuity, fixation, and/or ossicular chain reconstruction were excluded. Lateral-to-malleus underlay tympanoplasty. 1) Change in air-bone gap and bone conduction thresholds; 2) tympanic membrane lateralization; and 3) primary and delayed graft failure. One hundred forty-one tympanoplasties were analyzed. In the early postoperative period, 140 (99%) of 141 grafts were intact and, at a mean of 32.1 months, 121 (85.8%) remained without significant retraction or reperforation. There were no cases of early or delayed graft lateralization. The mean preoperative and most recent postoperative air-bone gaps were 23.7 dB and 14.1 dB, respectively (p < 0.001). Surgery was not associated with a transient or long-term bone conduction threshold shift. The LMUT technique offers improved exposure of the tympanic space and a low rate of graft failure. The risks of sensorineural hearing loss with ossicular chain manipulation and tympanic membrane lateralization from graft placement lateral to the malleus are very low.

Infections in HIV-exposed uninfected children with focus on sub-Saharan Africa.

Infections in HIV-exposed uninfected children with focus on sub-Saharan Africa.

Hearing Outcomes after Revision Stapedectomy Managed with Total Ossicular Reconstruction Prostheses

Objectives: (1) Describe the use of total ossicular reconstruction prostheses (TORP) during revision stapedectomy in the setting of advanced incus erosion. (2) Analyze the short- and medium-term audiometric results of TORP for revision stapedectomy. Methods: A retrospective case review at a tertiary neurotological referral center was conducted of nineteen cases of revision stapedectomy where TORP reconstruction was performed due to advanced incus erosion. Pre- and postoperative bone conduction (BC-PTA) and air conduction (AC-PTA) pure tone averages (0.5, 1, 2, 3 kHz) including high tone bone conduction (1, 2, 3 kHz), air-bone gap (ABG), and speech discrimination scores (SDS) were measured. Short-term (3 weeks) and medium-term (median, 12 months) hearing outcomes were measured. Results: Among 19 ears undergoing revision stapedectomy managed with TORP reconstruction, the average number of previous revision attempts was 1.2 (SD, 2; range, 1-6). The preoperative BC-PTA was 32.1 dB preoperatively while the preoperative AC-PTA was 65.3 dB. The mean postoperative ABG significantly decreased to 16.6 dB (SD, 13.68; range, −2.5 to 46.3 dB, P &lt; .003) with mean follow-up of 15 months (SD, 18.8; range, 0.75-54 months). A nonsignificant mean high tone BC-PTA decrement of 3.8 dB (SD = 5.9, range −8.33 to 18.33 dB, P = .427) was observed including one ear with no responses postoperatively. No further revisions were noted in follow-up. Conclusions: Total ossicular reconstruction in the setting of previous revision stapedectomy with limited incudovestibular reconstructive options may lead to favorable hearing outcomes but carries an increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss in very low birth weight infants with histological chorioamnionitis

Objective: Histological chorioamnionitis (HCAM) has been associated with inflammatory diseases of preterm infants. Recently we have observed that it increased the risk of speech delay and hearing loss. So the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) of VLBW infants and HCAM.Methods: We performed an observational study on VLBW infants admitted to the NICU of Padua. Each patient with HCAM was matched with one control without HCAM. All infants underwent hearing screening before discharge by means of automated transient–evoked otoacustic emissions and automated auditory brainstem responses, which were repeated at 3 and 6 months of age with tympanometry measurement. Incidence of SNHL at 6 months of age was compared in the 2 groups and risk factors for hearing loss were studied.Results: Two of 77 (2.6%) newborns with HCAM e 6/73 (8.2%) without it presented SNHL at 6 months of corrected age (p = 0.16). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) as independent predictors of SNHL (OR: 5.75, 95% CI 1.34–24.84, p = 0.02), whereas the effect of HCAM on SNHL was only near to statistical significance level.Conclusions: Surgical ligation of PDA is associated with an increased risk of SNHL in VLBW infants, regardless of HCAM.

Labyrinthine fenestration for stapes fixation in chronic ear disease others than otosclerosis.

The objective of this study is to assess the results of labyrinthine fenestration for fixed stapes in chronic ear disease. Using a prospective database, pre- and postoperative audiometric data from patients undergoing labyrinthine fenestration for fixation of the stapes in chronic ear disease others than otosclerosis between 2002 and 2012 were evaluated. Twenty-three labyrinthine fenestrations in chronic ear disease were performed (17 malleo-stapedotomies, 4 incus-stapedotomies, 1 neo-malleus-stapedotomy, 1 TORP-stapedotomy). Overall, the mean short-term (2 months) and long-term (42 months) postoperative air-bone gap (0.5-3 kHz) were 17.5 and 16.5 dB, respectively; long-term air-bone gap of <20 dB was obtained in 73 % of patients. There was no significant difference in air-bone gap closure between tympanosclerotic and post inflammatory osteogenic fixation of the stapes (p = 0.267). Hearing benefit success using the 'Belfast rule of the thumb' was achieved in 48 %. Normal bilateral hearing was achieved in 17 % and bilateral symmetric hearing impairment in 26 %. Only in 4 %, bone conduction worsened by more than 5 dB. Labyrinthine fenestration is an option in selected cases of stapes fixation in chronic ear disease and provides hearing gain without significant risk for sensorineural hearing loss. In those already selected cases, hearing benefit success 'Belfast rule of the thumb' is achieved only in half of the cases. This and the possible alternatives, should therefore be discussed preoperatively.

Sensorineural hearing loss in patients with head and neck cancer after chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy: A systematic review of the literature

Both radiotherapy (RT) and cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with head and neck cancer may cause sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The purpose of this review was to provide more insight into SNHL because of CRT compared to RT. Comprehensive search of Medline and Embase with the terms "radiotherapy" combined with "ototoxicity," "head and neck squamous cell carcinoma," and synonyms. Of the 2507 studies found, 21 were included in this study. Pooled analysis could not be committed because of heterogeneity. Incidence rates of SNHL after RT and CRT varied considerably, with percentages ranging from 0% to 43% and 17% to 88%, respectively. Factors that influenced the risk of SNHL were radiation dose to the cochlea, follow-up time, age, baseline hearing level, and cisplatin dose. The wide range of SNHL incidence rates makes it impossible to draw any conclusions on the severity of RT- and CRT-induced ototoxicity. To allow for future comparison of study outcomes, development of uniform criteria is of utmost importance.

Evaluation of Very Low Birth Weight (≤1500 g) as a Risk Indicator for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Introduction and objectiveHearing plays an essential role in the acquisition, development and maintenance of the properties of the speech and language. Birth weight is an indicator of biological maturation of the newborn. Premature newborns with very low birth weight (VLBW<1500g) constitute a group with the highest risk of sensorineural hearing loss. Our objective was to ascertain the degree of hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and presence of the association to other risk factors for hearing loss in VLBW infants included in the Universal Hearing Loss Screening Programme at the University Mother-Child Hospital of Gran Canaria (Spain) in the 2007–2010 period. Material and methodsThis was a retrospective study of 364 infants with VLBW, measured by transient evoked otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem response. ResultsThere were 112 newborns (30.8%) referred for auditory brainstem response. A diagnosis of hearing loss was given to 22 newborns (2.2%), 14 had conductive hearing loss and 8, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), of which 2 had bilateral profound hearing loss. The VLBW newborns presented the association to another risk factor in more than a quarter of the sample studied. All those diagnosed with SNHL were premature. ConclusionsThe percentage of VLBW newborns diagnosed with hearing loss is higher than expected in the general population. All those diagnosed with SNHL were premature and presented one or 2 hearing risk factors associated with VLBW.

Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio as a new predictive and prognostic factor at the hearing loss of diabetic patients

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a systemic inflammatory disease. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is seen more frequently in diabetic patients and it is believed that vascular complications of DM may be the cause of SNHL via inflammation. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was defined as a novel-potential marker to determine inflammation. We aimed to investigate the relationship between NLR levels and SNHL in diabetic patients using high-frequency audiometry (8–16 kHz) for the first time. The study included 58 patients diagnosed with DM. The control group was composed of 45 age–sex–BMI–matched healthy subjects. An automated blood cell counter was used for NLR measurements. The hearing assessments of the patients were carried out by Interacoustics Clinical Audiometer AC 40 device. The mean NLR values of the patients were significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.015). Speech recognition threshold values were higher and the speech discrimination values were lower in patients (p = 0.002, p < 0.001), respectively. Pure tone average of the patients at 500, 1,000, 2,000 Hz frequencies was divided into two groups (group 1 >25 dB and group 2 <25 dB). NLR levels of the diabetic patients with >25 dB were higher than the other diabetics (p = 0.007). In conclusion, while diabetic patients are evaluating, audiologic assessments of these patients should be performed because they are at more risk of SNHL and NLR may be considered as a predictive and prognostic marker of hearing loss or its beginning in these patients as a useful and reliable marker without any cost.

Long‐term Effects of a Single Intratympanic Gentamycin Injection on Ménière's Disease

Objectives: Intratympanic gentamycin (ITGM) injection is a useful treatment option in medically intractable Ménière’s disease (MD). Single ITGM injection has been used to control vertigo with lower risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) than multiple injections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of single-shot ITGM with regard to the vertigo control rate and incidence of SNHL. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of MD patients in Samsung Medical Center to screen those who were intractable to medical management and underwent a single ITGM procedure. All enrolled patients were followed up for more than 2 years. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by using the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium guidelines. Hearing was assessed by pure tone audiometry (PTA) results at 3 months after procedure and at the final visits. Results: Thirty-five patients were enrolled for the analysis, among whom five patients (14.2%) were in stage 4, twenty-eight (80%) were stage 3, and two (5.8%) were stage 2. In the long-term results, vertigo attacks were controlled completely (class A) in 25 patients (71.4%), substantially (class B) in 7 cases (20%), and limitedly (class C) in 3 cases (8.6%). SNHL was observed in 3 patients (8.5%) at 3 months and 9 cases (25.8%) at long-term follow-up. Conclusions: Single-shot ITGM therapy showed satisfactory vertigo control rate (91%) in long-term follow up. SNHL was observed in 17% at short term visits, and had reached 25% in long term evaluation, probably due to disease progression.

Evaluación del muy bajo peso (≤ 1.500 g) al nacer como indicador de riesgo para la hipoacusia neurosensorial

Introduction and objectiveHearing plays an essential role in the acquisition, development and maintenance of the properties of the speech and language. Birth weight is an indicator of biological maturation of the newborn. Premature newborns with very low birth weight (VLBW<1,500g) constitute a group with the highest risk of sensorineural hearing loss. Our objective was to ascertain the degree of hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and presence of the association to other risk factors for hearing loss in VLBW infants included in the Universal Hearing Loss Screening Programme at the University Mother-Child Hospital of Gran Canaria (Spain) in the 2007-2010 period. Material and methodsThis was a retrospective study of 364 infants with VLBW, measured by transient evoked otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem response. ResultsThere were 112 newborn (30.8%) referred for auditory brainstem response. A diagnosis of hearing loss was given to 22 newborns (2.2%), 14 had conductive hearing loss and 8, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), of which 2 had bilateral profound hearing loss. The VLBW newborn presented the association to another risk factor in more than a quarter of the sample studied. All those diagnosed with SNHL were premature. ConclusionsThe percentage of VLBW newborns diagnosed with hearing loss is higher than expected in the general population. All those diagnosed with SNHL were premature and presented one or 2 hearing risk factors associated with VLBW.

Risk of Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Patients with Vitiligo

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hearing loss and vestibular symptoms among Israeli vitiligo patients as compared with healthy controls. Methods: 16 vitiligo patients and 16 healthy controls were enrolled in this prospective study. Vitiligo patients had undergone dermatologic evaluation and complete ENT evaluation. Results: Vitiligo patients demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) (p = 0.001). A ‘notch'-shaped audiogram was the most frequent type of audiogram found among vitiligo patients (p = 0.021). Patients with mucosal involvement as the primary site of onset had a significantly more normal hearing level (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Due to the high prevalence of SNHL amongst vitiligo patients, it is recommended that these patients undergo a complete hearing evaluation, avoiding ototoxic hazards if possible.

Obesity is associated with sensorineural hearing loss in adolescents

Childhood obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 95%, is a significant health problem associated with a variety of disorders, and in adults it has been found to be a risk factor for hearing loss. We investigated the hypothesis that obese children are at increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). A complex, multistage, stratified geographic area design for collecting representative data from noninstitutionalized U.S. population. Relevant cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005 to 2006, for 1,488 participants 12 to 19 years of age was examined. Subjects were classified as obese if their BMI ≥ 95 th percentile. SNHL was defined as average pure-tone level greater than 15 dB for 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz (low frequency) and 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz (high frequency). Compared to normal weight participants (BMI 5%-85%), obesity in adolescents was associated with elevated pure tone hearing thresholds and greater prevalence of unilateral low-frequency SNHL (15.2 vs. 8.3%, P = 0.01). In multivariate analyses, obesity was associated with a 1.85 fold increase in the odds of unilateral low-frequency SNHL (95% CI: 1.10-3.13) after controlling for multiple hearing-related covariates. We demonstrate for the first time that obesity in childhood is associated with higher hearing thresholds across all frequencies and an almost 2-fold increase in the odds of unilateral low-frequency hearing loss. These results add to the growing literature on obesity-related health disturbances and also add to the urgency in instituting public health measures to reduce it.

Prelingual sensorineural hearing loss and infants at risk: Western Sicily report

ObjectiveTo evaluate independent etiologic factor associated with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in newborn at risk; to study the role of their interaction especially in NICU infants who present often multiple risk factors for SNHL. MethodsThe main risk factors for SNHL reported by JCIH 2007 were evaluated on 508 infant at risk ranging from 4 to 20 weeks of life, transferred to the Audiology Department of Palermo from the main births centers of Western Sicily. After a global audiological assessment, performed with TEOAE, tympanometry and ABR, the prevalence and the effect of risk factors was statistically studied through univariate and multivariate analysis on the total population (normal and deaf subjects). ResultsFifty-one infants (10.03%) were diagnosed with SNHL (45 bilateral and 6 monolateral) with a mean hearing threshold of 87.39±28.25dB HL; from logistic regression analysis family history of hearing impairment (HI) and TORCH infections resulted independent significant risk factors (P<0.00001 and P=0.024 respectively). High SNHL percentages were evidenced also in NICU babies, due to the various pathologies and risk factors presented by these infants, and among newborns who suffered from hyperbilirubinemia requiring exchange transfusion (11.97% and 9.52% respectively). Craniofacial abnormalities (CFA) and syndromes associated to HI showed an important relationship (P<0.00001) with conductive hearing loss (CHL). Multiple regression analysis of the variation in SNHL among NICU infants evidenced an increased risk for SNHL of 21.24% and of 19.33% respectively in preterm infants and in case of hyperbilirubinemia if respiratory distress is concomitant with these risk factors. It was also observed an higher risk of SNHL (99.66%) in case of coexistence of prematurity and hyperbilirubinemia. Finally among infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) it was evidenced a statistically difference between the mean weight of SNHL infants respect to NHL newborns (P=0.048). ConclusionThe high SNHL prevalence (10.03%) in our cohort underlines how infants at risk are more susceptible to suffer from SNHL; in particular NICU newborns have a 33% greater chance of developing SNHL, because of the presence of multiple risk factors (or=1.33) and their interaction. As the number of coexisting risk factors increases, the prevalence of SNHL also increases (r2=0.93).

Risk of sensorineural hearing loss in infants with abnormal head size

The purpose was to determine the risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in young infants with abnormal head sizes in a developing country. A matched case-control study of two (hospital-based and community-based) cohorts of term infants who failed a two-stage hearing screening test with transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions and automated auditory brainstem response in Lagos, Nigeria. Abnormal head size (microcephaly or macrocephaly) was determined with World Health Organisation's growth standards for head circumference. The adjusted odds ratios for the risk of SNHL in microcephalic and macrocephalic infants were established through unconditional and conditional logistic regression analyses. Some 194 cases and 970 matched controls drawn from 8,872 term singletons 3 months or younger were studied. The median age of enrolment was 1 day in the hospital-based cohort and 17 days in the community-based cohort. Microcephalic infants in both cohorts were significantly at risk of SNHL while no significant risk was found among macrocephalic infants regardless of birth setting. Microcephalic infants should be routinely screened for potential hearing loss particularly where universal newborn hearing screening is not immediately practicable. Etiological investigation of abnormal head size in this and similar population is warranted. Routine screening and maternal immunization for congenital infections should also be considered.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss Associated with Neomycin Eardrops and Nonintact Tympanic Membranes

Use of neomycin eardrops in nonintact tympanic membranes (NITMs) due to tympanic membrane (TM) perforation or tympanostomy tubes (TTs) is controversial because of the potential for ototoxicity. We sought to compare the risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in patients with NITMs who received neomycin with those who received fluoroquinolone eardrops. Retrospective cohort study. Administrative claims data analysis, including diagnoses and procedure detail for physician office and hospital visits and pharmacy dispensing events in children eligible for Medicaid fee-for-service benefits in 29 states between 1999 and 2006. Eligible patients (age <18 years) had to have received a study eardrop within 12 months after first diagnosis of NITM. The follow-up period started from the first eardrop dispensing. We compared the 12-month risk of SNHL using Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for SNHL risk factors. We found 982 SNHL cases in 134,598 children treated with neomycin or fluoroquinolone eardrops. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for 1, 2, and 3 or more prescriptions of neomycin was 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-1.07), 1.45 (1.05-2.01), and 1.30 (0.71-2.36), respectively, when adjusted for SNHL risk factors, the interval between initial diagnosis of NITM and eardrop initiation, and total number of eardrop prescriptions. The results remained unchanged for several sensitivity analyses. Short-term use of neomycin eardrops in patients with NITMs is not associated with an increased risk of SNHL; however, repeated doses (ie, ≥ 2 prescriptions) showed a significant association with an increased risk of SNHL.

The Use of KTP Laser in Revision Stapedectomy

Revision stapes operations have lower success rates than primary surgeries. Success rates have increased since the introduction of the laser. Visible (KTP, argon) and infrared (CO2) spectrum lasers have been used in stapes surgery. A concern has been raised regarding the use of visible lasers in revision stapedectomy because of their properties of tissue penetrance. The objective of our study is to evaluate a series of patients who underwent revision stapedectomy with the use of KTP laser to determine whether there is an increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss associated with the use of this laser. Patients with otosclerosis requiring revision stapedectomy. Revision stapedectomy or stapedotomy were performed using the KTP laser. The primary outcome evaluated was the incidence of postoperative sensorineural hearing loss. Improvement in air-bone gap was evaluated as a secondary outcome. There were no cases of postoperative sensorineural hearing loss or deafness. Approximately 56.5% of patients achieved closure of the postoperative ABG to within 10 dB; 91.3% of patients achieved a postoperative ABG within 20 dB. The KTP laser was used most commonly to lyse fibrous adhesions. Although there is a theoretical risk of penetrance of the KTP laser through the oval window and underlying perilymph with resultant damage to the sense organ-containing endolymph, this theoretical risk did not translate into an increased rate of sensorineural hearing loss in our series. The KTP laser allowed for less traumatic clearing of middle ear adhesions and good hearing results.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss with Neomycin Ear Drops

Objective: Neomycin ear drops are contraindicated with non-intact TMs (NITM), either perforation (TMP) or tube (TT) because of the risk of ototoxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) with neomycin and quinolone ear drops and NITMs. Method: Pediatric Medicaid beneficiaries from 29 states, 1999-2006, were studied if they received a study drug within 12 months of TMP or TT, and were continuously enrolled ≥6 months before and 12 months after first dispensing. We compared the 12-month risk of SNHL using Cox regression adjusted for SNHL risk factors. Results: We found 1935 SNHL cases in 139,906 children treated with neomycin or quinolone eardrops (1-year incidence = 1.38). Within those with neomycin, 76.3% received 1 dose and 17.4% received 2. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for 1, 2, and ≥3 prescriptions of neomycin was 0.99 (95% CI 0.89-1.12), 1.32 (1.05-1.67), and 1.34 (0.89-2.01), respectively, when adjusted for SNHL risk factors and total number of otic antimicrobial prescriptions. Conclusion: Short-term use of neomycin ear drops in patients with NITMs does not appear to carry a significant risk of SNHL. Repeated doses of topical neomycin are associated with an increased SNHL risk.