Research Information System
Journal of Laryngology and Otology, vol.123, no.7, pp.718-722, 2009 (SCI-Expanded)
Objective: Following a report of sudden hearing loss in a patient taking phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, and a Food and Drug Administration announcement concerning this class of drugs, a study was planned to investigate if ototoxicity occurs in patients using phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction. Methods: Eighteen patients with erectile dysfunction who had been using phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor were included in the study. Audiometric tests were performed on all patients, between the frequencies 250 and 16 000 Hz, before and 1, 5 and 72 hours after drug ingestion. Results: Four patients showed a unilateral threshold decrease compatible with ototoxicity criteria; this change was reversible. A statistically significant difference in pre- versus post-drug hearing thresholds was observed in the right ear at 10 000 Hz (p = 0.008). There were no statistically significant hearing threshold differences at any other frequencies (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although temporary ototoxicity was noted in four patients, we could not find any permanent, deleterious effect of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor on hearing thresholds. © 2009 JLO (1984) Limited.