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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Irreversible sensorineural hearing loss: an unusual side effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
1Department of Renal Medicine, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK.
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.
Case History:
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.
Conclusion:
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.
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