title: Progressive, reversible sensorineural hearing loss caused by azathioprine.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper describes the first reported case of progressive sensorineural hearing loss caused by azathioprine, which was reversed on stoppage of the drug.
  
  
  METHODS
  A female patient with previously normal hearing presented with progressive sensorineural hearing loss after being started on azathioprine. Otological and neurological examination findings were unremarkable. After stopping the drug, the patient reported an improvement in hearing, which was confirmed on pure tone audiometry.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This previously unreported side effect of azathioprine is highlighted in order to increase clinical awareness. Early recognition of this adverse effect is important to minimise the possibility of permanent sensorineural hearing loss.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology,Raigmore Hospital,NHS Highlands,Inverness,Scotland,UK.
authors.forename: P W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Jenkinson
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology,Raigmore Hospital,NHS Highlands,Inverness,Scotland,UK.
authors.forename: M I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Syed
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology,Raigmore Hospital,NHS Highlands,Inverness,Scotland,UK.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mcclymont
mesh_terms: D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D001379:Azathioprine