Sudden bilateral sensorineural hearing loss as an unusual consequence of accidental ingestion of potassium hydroxide

Medical Principles and Practice : International Journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
A CiorbaA Martini

Abstract

To discuss the possible etiopathogenetic mechanism of inner ear damage induced by the ingestion of potassium hydroxide (KOH). We report the case of a 37-year-old patient with sudden bilateral sensorineural hearing loss after accidental ingestion of a KOH solution. The first ear, nose and throat examination disclosed only mild edema of the upper airways. He was treated in the intensive care unit and prescribed high-dose steroids, proton pump inhibitors and sucralfate for 2 weeks. Unfortunately, there was no recovery of the hearing loss, and no audiogram changes were noticed after 12 months of follow-up. After exploring the possible etiopathogenetic mechanism involved, the authors believe that in this case, a transient severe hemodynamic imbalance can actually be considered to be the most reliable explanation for the inner ear damage and subsequent onset of permanent bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

Citations

Dec 18, 2013·The Journal of Laryngology and Otology·S A SaraP Friedland
Oct 14, 2021·Journal of Translational Medicine·Stella Chin-Shaw TsaiKuang-Hsi Chang

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