Ototoxicity of povidone-iodine – A case report

OBJECTIVE: The ototoxicity of povidone-iodine has been documented in animal studies. However, there is limited evidence of these ototoxic effects in humans. This is the first report to show the ototoxic effects of povidone-iodine in a human subject. PATIENT: A 36-year-old woman came to our hospital complaining of left unilateral persistent hearing loss. One month before presentation, her child had accidentally struck her on her left ear. She applied approximately three drops of povidone-iodine (10% weight/volume) into her left auditory canal. Immediately after application, she felt severe pain and vertigo. An audiogram revealed severe left unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging showed mild enhancement of the left vestibule and basal turn of the left cochlea. CONCLUSIONS: Even a single application of povidone-iodine could cause significant hearing loss and disequilibrium. It should, therefore, be used with caution.