Temporary loss of hearing after salt loading in glycerol test

We report the case of a male patient with hearing loss in the right ear, tinnitus, attacks of vertigo, and audiologic and otoneurologic symptoms of inner ear disease in whom investigations were carried out to clarify the pathogenesis of these disorders. First a glycerol test was performed with salt loading. On the third day of salt loading prior to the glycerol test, a sudden deterioration in hearing developed in the affected ear, and the patient complained of tinnitus and vertigo. He was given the usual dose of glycerol but no improvement in hearing occurred. As a result of the initiated vasodilating therapy, hearing was improved and his complaints ceased.