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Updated: Oct 8, 2025
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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
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Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss in the Setting of Acute Methamphetamine Overdose
Jeremy S Reich1, Harleen K Sethi1,2, Robert T Sataloff3
1Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|December 29, 2021
Summary
Substance abuse can cause sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This case details acute SNHL after a methamphetamine overdose, emphasizing the need for auditory testing post-overdose.
Area of Science:
- Ototoxicology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Substance abuse is an infrequent but recognized cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).
- Acute SNHL can manifest following drug overdoses.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old male presented with acute SNHL after a methamphetamine overdose and incidental fentanyl ingestion.
- Initial assessment revealed moderate-to-severe right ear and severe-to-profound left ear hearing loss, alongside acute kidney injury, liver failure, and lactic acidosis.
Findings:
- The patient received a two-week course of high-dose steroids.
- Subjective hearing improvement was reported post-treatment.
- This case represents one of the few recent documented instances of SNHL linked to methamphetamine use.
Implications:
- Auditory assessment is crucial following drug overdose incidents.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of methamphetamine-induced ototoxicity, potentially involving neurotransmitter depletion or compromised cochlear blood flow.
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