Drug-Induced Deafness: A Rare Case of Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following Speedballing

Abstract

Many users of recreational drugs use cocaine and opioids together, often called “speedballing.” Hearing loss is a rarely reported adverse effect following recreational drug abuse. Only one case has been reported in history with hearing loss caused by speedballing. Here, we present the case of a 38-year-old female who presented with speedball abuse and new-onset bilateral hearing loss to the emergency department. A computed tomography scan of the head was unremarkable. She was treated with thiamine, folate, multivitamins, and intravenous fluids. The hearing loss improved without any acute intervention. The significance of sudden hearing loss due to recreational drug use is highlighted by this case. Apart from a few animal studies, there is no detailed research explaining the pathophysiology of speedball-induced hearing loss. Further studies and trials are needed to better understand the effects of combined and separate cocaine and opioid use on audiologic physiology.