Carbon monoxide poisoning and sensorineural hearing loss.
Exposure to carbon monoxide is a well-recognized cause of morbidity and mortality. Both acute accidental poisoning and chronic exposure are associated with a range of adverse health effects. We report two cases of carbon monoxide poisoning with the associated phenomenon of sensorineural hearing loss. Although hearing loss as a result of acute carbon monoxide exposure has previously been described, here we emphasize the need to consider chronic exposure to carbon monoxide as a potentially reversible cause of sensorineural hearing loss if diagnosed and treated early.
Shahbaz Hassan
M
M
Department of ENT, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK. shahbazhassan@hotmail.com
Ray
J
J
Wilson
F
F
D000328:Adult; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000150:complications*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged