The effect of recombinant interferon alpha treatment on hearing thresholds in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B

Objectives: To investigate the possible ototoxic effects of recombinant interferon alpha (IFN alpha) on patients with hepatitis B. Patients and method: Twenty-seven adult patients (14 male, 13 female) with chronic hepatitis B who were administered recombinant IFN alpha treatment were selected for this study. These patients were treated with a dose of 10 MU three times per week during 8–12 months (average follow-up period was 11.2 month). The mean hearing thresholds at seven frequencies (250–8000 Hz) were determined the day before therapy, after 1st, 7th and 21st day, and 1 month after termination of treatment. Results: Hearing loss was detected in nine of 27 patients on the 7th day and the degree of hearing loss increased until 21st day of treatment. It was not exceeded 20 dB for any frequency with continued IFN therapy. The hearing loss completely recovered 1 month after the cessation of the IFN alpha. When hearing thresholds values of the day before therapy, 1st day and 1 month after termination of treatment were compared with values of 7th and 21st days, a statistically significant difference was detected (P<0.001). But there was no significant difference between the hearing thresholds values of the day before therapy, 1st day and 1 month after termination of the treatment (P>0.05). Conclusion: IFN alpha administration in patients with hepatitis B may cause mild reversible sensorineural hearing loss.