Senior Resident, Department of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
10.22038/ijorl.2024.77019.3579
Abstract
Introduction: Electric shock occurs when electricity passes through the body, causing a range of symptoms from mild tingling to potentially life-threatening injuries such as burns, seizures, and cardiac arrest. In rare cases, Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) has also been associated with an electric shock.
Case Report: A 35-year-old male presented with left-sided hearing loss following an electric shock. The audiometric evaluation revealed left Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The patient was prescribed oral corticosteroids showing some improvement in hearing thresholds and was advised hearing aid for the residual SNHL.
Conclusion: Limited literature exists on the association between high-voltage electric shocks and hearing loss. This case report highlights the importance of prompt evaluation and management of (SSNHL) in individuals affected by electric shock.
Turan M, Kalkan F, Bozan N, Özçalimli İ, Zeki Erdem M, Yalınkılıç A, et al. Isolated sensorineural hearing loss as a sequela after lightning strike. Case Rep Otolaryngol. 2015;2015:1–4.
Jindal P, Nagarkar AN, Mann SBS. Reversible hearing loss associated with high-voltage electric shock. J Laryngol Otol. 2005;119:631–3.
Barber B, Côté DWJ, Liu R. Electric shock ear torture: a rare cause of tympanic membrane perforation and mixed hearing loss. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2011;40(3):E22-5.
Myung N-S, Lee I-W, Goh E-K, Kong S-K. Cochlear implantation for severe sensorineural hearing loss caused by lightning. Am J Otolaryngol. 2012;33(6):767–9.
Wesner ML, Hickie J. Long-term sequelae of electrical injury. Can Fam Physician. 2013;59:935–9
Modayil PC, Lloyd GW, Mallik A, Bowdler DA. Inner ear damage following electric current and lightning injury: a literature review. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2014;271(5):855–61.
Kataria, A. (2025). Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following Electric Shock: A Case Report with Literature Review. Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, 37(1), 47-50. doi: 10.22038/ijorl.2024.77019.3579
MLA
Arshit Kataria. "Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following Electric Shock: A Case Report with Literature Review", Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, 37, 1, 2025, 47-50. doi: 10.22038/ijorl.2024.77019.3579
HARVARD
Kataria, A. (2025). 'Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following Electric Shock: A Case Report with Literature Review', Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, 37(1), pp. 47-50. doi: 10.22038/ijorl.2024.77019.3579
VANCOUVER
Kataria, A. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following Electric Shock: A Case Report with Literature Review. Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, 2025; 37(1): 47-50. doi: 10.22038/ijorl.2024.77019.3579