Heroin use can trigger deafness. Study says?

Lifesavers Post in Health Tips

The study, published in The Journal of Medical Toxicology, reviewed records from the New Jersey Poison Control Center, based at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, from 1999 to 2018 to determine the association between opioid use and degrees of hearing loss.

Researchers identified 41 people with opioid exposure who experienced full or partial hearing loss or tinnitus, likely caused by toxicity to the ear. More than half had used heroin, followed by oxycodone, methadone and tramadol; 88 percent had only one known exposure. Most people reported the condition affecting both ears, with 12 people experiencing deafness, 15 partial or total loss of hearing acuity, 10 tinnitus and four a mix of symptoms.

While some people may regain their hearing, the loss could be permanent with others — 21 percent of those reporting the condition had no improvement in hearing when they were discharged from the hospital. “The delicate structures of the inner ear are very susceptible to injury if oxygen supply is insufficient, as well as to the direct effect of toxins like opioids,” said co-author Lewis Nelson, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine.

“Although the study found a link with heroin, toxicity to the ear can occur with every opioid,” said Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center. “This study supports what has been found in animal studies, which is that any opioid can cause hearing loss,” she said. “This might be because we already have built-in opioid receptors, or binding sites, in the inner ear. Activating them may trigger this injury in some patients.

“The researchers said health care providers should be aware of the association with opioid use when evaluating a patient with hearing loss.

Source: Rutgers University

Share on Facebook
Tweet
Follow us

12 thoughts on “Heroin use can trigger deafness. Study says?”

  6. 288321 338392Hey, you used to write great, but the last couple of posts have been kinda boringK I miss your super writings. Past several posts are just a bit bit out of track! come on! 633087

    Reply

  7. 846648 730927Hi. Cool post. Theres an problem together with your web site in firefox, and you may want to check this The browser will be the market chief and a excellent section of individuals will pass more than your great writing because of this problem. 233973

    Reply

  8. 7810 285287Hi there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I genuinely enjoy reading your articles. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same topics? Appreciate it! 943897

    Reply

  9. 875324 570707Interesting point of view. Im curious to think what type of impact this would have globally? Sometimes men and women get just a little upset with global expansion. Ill be around soon to take a look at your response. 968475

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *