Abstract
Background
Methadone has been used for many years in the clinical setting and has many well-described
side effects. In recent years, the use of methadone and other opioids have been increasing
throughout the United States (US), and presentations to US Emergency Departments (EDs)
due to opioid use and abuse are increasing as well.
Objectives
As methadone and opioid use increases, ED physicians should be aware of infrequently
seen side effects and toxicities associated with the use of these drugs.
Case Report
We report the case of a previously healthy 20-year-old man who presented with acute
onset of bilateral hearing loss secondary to an unintentional methadone overdose.
At follow-up, the patient’s hearing had returned to normal, with the only intervention
being abstinence from methadone.
Conclusion
Although bilateral hearing loss is a rare toxic finding of opioid ingestion, given
the prevalence of opioid use, this etiology should be considered in any patient presenting
with this chief complaint.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 10, 2010
Accepted:
November 3,
2010
Received in revised form:
March 15,
2010
Received:
November 10,
2009
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
