Case Report

Vol. 19 No. 5 (2023): The Journal of International Advanced Otology
DOI: https://doi.org/%2010.5152/iao.2023.231117

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Published: Sep 29, 2023
Keywords:
Carbon monoxide, sensorineural hearing loss, hearing tests, poisoning, treatments

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Takuya Endo
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
Jun Suzuki
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
Ryoukichi Ikeda
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Iwate, Japan
Yukio Katori
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan

Sensorineural Hearing Loss due to Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Main Article Content

Takuya Endo
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
Jun Suzuki
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
Ryoukichi Ikeda
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Iwate, Japan
Yukio Katori
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan

Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) can cause “irreversible” severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, there are few reports of detailed hearing test results. Here, we report a case of acute sensorineural hearing loss caused by acute CO poisoning with partial hearing recovery, evaluated by a detailed hearing examination. A 25-year-old woman was brought to the emergency department for attempted suicide. On admission, her consciousness was impaired, and she was treated for severe CO poisoning, including using hyperbaric-oxygen therapy. After regaining consciousness, symptoms of hearing loss and tinnitus were discovered, and a detailed audiological examination revealed bilateral hearing loss, suggesting cochlear damage. Steroids were systemically administered, and her hearing impairment was partially resolved. Sensorineural hearing loss caused by acute CO poisoning includes cochlear pathology and may be partially treatable. The early evaluation of hearing in patients with severe CO poisoning is advisable for early treatment.



Cite this article as: Endo T, Suzuki J, Ikeda R, Katori Y. Sensorineural hearing loss due to acute carbon monoxide poisoning. J Int Adv Otol. 2023;19(5):435-439.


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