whether opiates cause hearing loss

People are asking whether opiates cause hearing loss.

This hit the news when Rush Limbaugh's deafness was attributed to overuse of opiate analgesics.

There have been reports of hearing loss associated with overuse of hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin, etc). But no proof so far that the two are related.

Tell patients that hearing loss with opiates is very unlikely...especially with usual doses.

Report any cases of hearing loss you think might be linked to Vicodin or other opiates. This is important to determine how significant the problem might be.

• Other: Opiates and Hearing Loss