Sudden sensorineural deafness and hormone replacement therapy.
Whilst the oral contraceptive pill (OC) has been implicated on a number of occasions as a cause of sensorineural hearing loss, there are no published reports linking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to otological symptoms. A case of sensorineural loss with tinnitus following commencement of HRT is described, followed by a discussion outlining the fundamental differences between the OC and HRT, thus explaining why a vascular aetiology is unlikely. It is hypothesized that otological symptoms in such cases may be due to the effect of oestrogens on electrolyte balance disturbing inner ear function and also a direct effect on the auditory pathways mediated in part by alterations in neurotransmitter receptor concentrations.
Strachan
D
D
Department of Otolaryngology, St. James' Hospital, Leeds, UK.
D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000378:metabolism; D004958:Estradiol / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism
D004573:Electrolytes; D004958:Estradiol