Profound hearing loss associated with hydrocodone/acetaminophen abuse.
OBJECTIVE
To describe profound hearing loss associated with hydrocodone overuse and the successful rehabilitation of these patients with cochlear implantation.


METHODS
Retrospective review.


METHODS
A tertiary otologic referral center.


METHODS
Twelve patients with rapidly progressive hearing loss and a concurrent history of hydrocodone overuse.


METHODS
Comprehensive medical histories, physical findings, audiometric tests, and, in those patients undergoing cochlear implantation, postimplantation performance data were reviewed.


METHODS
Clinical characteristics of hydrocodone-related hearing loss and open set word and sentence performance in those patients undergoing cochlear implantation.


RESULTS
Hydrocodone overuse was associated with rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss in 12 patients. In four patients the initial presentation was unilateral, and two of the patients experienced vestibular symptoms. None of the 12 patients experienced improved thresholds after high-dose prednisone. Seven of the eight patients undergoing cochlear implantation have demonstrated early success with their devices.


CONCLUSIONS
Hydrocodone is frequently prescribed in combination with acetaminophen for the relief of pain and has a side effects profile similar to other medications in its class. Although not described previously, overuse or abuse can be associated with a rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss. These patients can be successfully rehabilitated with cochlear implantation.
Friedman
R A
RA
House Ear Clinic, Inc., Los Angeles, CA 90057, USA.
House
J W
JW
Luxford
W M
WM
Gherini
S
S
Mills
D
D
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D018450:Disease Progression; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006853:Hydrocodone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
D000700:Analgesics; D004338:Drug Combinations; C083640:acetaminophen, hydrocodone drug combination; D000082:Acetaminophen; D006853:Hydrocodone