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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Reversible bilateral sensorineural hearing loss associated with atorvastatin: a case report
Mohammedsefa Arusi Dari1, Zelalem Tadesse Wondimu2, Sara Abdulkadir Memhur3
1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. madyamxperia@gmail.com.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|June 3, 2026
Summary
Early recognition and discontinuation of atorvastatin can reverse sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This case highlights the importance of monitoring auditory health in patients taking statins to prevent permanent hearing damage.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atorvastatin is a common treatment for hyperlipidemia, generally well-tolerated.
- Auditory adverse effects, including sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), are rare and poorly understood.
- Statins are widely used, making potential side effects a significant public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of reversible sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) associated with atorvastatin.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for statin-induced ototoxicity.
- To contribute to the understanding of rare adverse effects of atorvastatin.
Main Methods:
- A case presentation of a 45-year-old woman experiencing bilateral tinnitus and SNHL after initiating atorvastatin.
- Exclusion of other ototoxic risk factors and confirmation of SNHL via pure-tone audiometry.
- Discontinuation of atorvastatin and subsequent monitoring of hearing function.
Main Results:
- The patient developed moderate, bilateral SNHL and tinnitus three weeks after starting atorvastatin.
- Following atorvastatin discontinuation, hearing improved significantly within one week and normalized by one month.
- Switching to rosuvastatin resulted in no recurrence of symptoms at six months.
Conclusions:
- Atorvastatin-associated SNHL is potentially reversible with early detection and drug cessation.
- Prompt identification of auditory symptoms in patients on statins is crucial.
- Timely intervention can prevent irreversible hearing impairment from statin-induced ototoxicity.
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