Sildenafil-Associated Sudden Hearing Loss: A Case Report
Abstract
Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a distressing medical emergency characterized by a rapid onset of hearing loss in one or both ears over a period of 72 hours or less. With the multitude of etiologies, patients are often left with significant auditory deficits that change quality of life, affecting communication, engagement with social activities, and performance of daily tasks. This case report explores a potential link between sildenafil, a commonly prescribed medication for erectile dysfunction, and SSNHL, shedding light on the ototoxic risks associated with its use.Case report: We report the case of a 29-year-old male who presented with tinnitus and a sudden, severe hearing loss in his right ear. Initial symptoms were managed in an emergency room in Spain, where he was prescribed Dexona (30 mg). Prior to this onset, he had taken sildenafil and dapoxetine. Audiometric evaluations revealed profound hearing loss in the right ear with a threshold of 90 dB at 500 Hz and 100 dB at 1000–2000 Hz, while the left ear maintained normal hearing levels. Electrophysiological tests confirmed the severity of the hearing impairment in the right ear. Despite comprehensive audiological and vestibular assessments and treatment at our clinic, including steroids and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, there was no significant improvement.Conclusions: This case highlights the potential ototoxic effects of sildenafil, suggesting it may contribute to sudden and profound SSNHL.…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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