Hearing loss in amphetamine users.
Author: Iqbal N.
Source:
Journal of psychoactive drugs, 34(4), 401-407.
Sensory perceptions are modified by amphetamines. Prolonged and heavy use can
lead to neuronal damage, neurotransmitter depletion and receptor
supersensitivity. Sensorineural deafness had been reported in chronic users of
volatile inhalants, alcohol and heroin. There are no reports of hearing problems
with amphetamines. Hearing loss was identified in seven amphetamine-dependent
inpatients in the detox unit at Al Amal Hospital, Jeddah. Subjects were men aged
18 and over who met DSM IV criteria for substance dependence. The hearing loss
was suspected on clinical grounds during the admission interview, and was quite
noticeable. Both ears were similarly affected. The symptom mostly appeared three
to eight hours after ingestion of the tablets, and did not develop every time the
drug was used. Hearing was apparently recovered in every case within four to ten
days of cessation of amphetamine use. During the hearing loss, sounds were
perceived as less loud and less sharp compared to normal. These cases suggest
that chronic amphetamine use may result in reversible hearing loss. The various
mechanisms by which this might occur are discussed. The author concludes that
these observations should be replicated with a large group of subjects and
recommends further investigations to elucidate the nature and site of the damage.