Sudden onset hearing loss (SOHL) causes great concern to patients. It can be sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. Sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is considered an otological emergency. The incidence of SSNHL is 5-20 per 100,00. Although individuals of all ages can be affected, the peak incidence is between the fifth and sixth decade of life. Nearly all cases are unilateral; less than 2% of patients have bilateral involvement (Acıpayam, Koçak and Elbistanlı). This paper describes a case of a 43 years old female who presented with sudden onset unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) after oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use. The relation of OCP use with different pathophysiological theories of SSNHL is discussed.
Key words: hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, oral contraception
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