Isolated deafness following recovery from neurologic injury and adult respiratory distress syndrome. A sequela of intercurrent aminoglycoside and diuretic use.

We report two children who survived neurologic injury (near-drowning and Reye's syndrome) and adult respiratory distress syndrome and who required prolonged ventilatory support. Follow-up examination in both children showed steady neurologic recovery, but five months following discharge from their acute illness, profound hearing loss was diagnosed in both children. A review of the literature is reported and the hypothesis that combined aminoglycoside antibiotic and loop diuretic therapy caused the hearing loss is presented. Recommendation is made for audiologic assessment within six months of recovery from critical illness of pediatric patients in whom therapy has included loop diuretic and aminoglycoside antibiotic therapy.