Irreversible sensorineural hearing loss: an unusual side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
OBJECTIVE
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are known to have a number of potential side effects. Here we report a case demonstrating an uncommon complication, irreversible sensorineural deafness.


METHODS
A 41-year-old man with pre-existing cardiac and renal dysfunction (for which his regular medications included furosemide) presumed secondary to a viral myocarditis developed acute sensorineural hearing loss 5 days after commencing treatment with indomethacin 25 mg tds for acute gout. His hearing loss was preceded by the development of tinnitus and failed to recover.


CONCLUSIONS
Permanent deafness is a rare but serious side effect of NSAIDs. Tinnitus developing in patients on these agents should be regarded as a potential warning sign of impending irreversible ototoxicity.
Ahmad
S
S
Department of Renal Medicine, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK.
Bhanji
A
A
Pal
S
S
Karim
M
M
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006073:Gout / Q000188:drug therapy; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000139:chemically induced
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007213:Indomethacin