Cause of blocked ear and loss of hearing after taking Trimethoprim for kidney stones?

Posted on Sun, 9 Mar 2014

Question: Hi, I had surgery 2 weeks ago for kidney stones. I was given Trimethoprim 300mg for 3 days following surgery. 2 days after thet my right ear became blocked and I have not been able to hear since, now 8 days. I am worried that it wont unblock

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer: No side effect of Trimethoprime Detailed Answer: Hi Mam, I have gone through your query, medical history; it most probably suggests that it is not the side effect of Trimethoprim. For your kind information common side effect of the Trimethoprim may be diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, changes in taste, or headache but not related to the ear. To reach the near diagnosis and exclusion of the other disease you may go for the 1. Otoscopic examination of the ear. 2. Tunning fork test. 3. Pure tone and impedance Audiometry. 4. Blood pressure Measurement and 5. Nasal examination. If you have any doubt, I will be available for your query.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Hariom Sharma (52 minutes later)

Hi, Thank you... I have read on the interent that Trimethoprim does cause hearing loss in some cases. I have also read that anesthetic can cause hearing loss. Is that true? Do eusathian tubes block for a prolonged period...like 2 weeks or more? I have no pain in my ear, no ringing, just feels like cotton wool has blocked all sound.Thank you

Answered by Dr. Hariom Sharma (45 hours later)

Brief Answer: May be due to High Blood Pressure Detailed Answer: Hi Mam, I have gone through your follow up query; and I don't agree with those opinions. It is most likely due to the hypertension; but to rule out other cause and to reach the near diagnosis you may go for the above mentioned investigation. Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad