Auditory Disturbance Associated with Interferon

Abstract

We investigated 62 patients receiving interferon for type B or C chronic hepatitis to determine the incidence of auditory disturbance, such as hearing loss, tinnitus, ear fullness or dizziness during interferon therapy. Examination was made for retinopathy and levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride in serum throughout treatment to determine the relationship between auditory disturbance and vascular disorders. Auditory disturbance was occurred in 10 patients (16%): hearing loss 4 patients, tinnitus in 5, ear-fullness in 2 and dizziness in 1. These signs and symptoms were improved within 1-2 weeks after Interferon therapy was ceased. We found no relationship between auditory disturbance and retinopathy, or levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride in serum.