Emami N, Daniel SJ. Ototoxicity of olive oil in a chinchilla animal model.
Laryngoscope 2013;
123:2009-12. [PMID:
23616417 DOI:
10.1002/lary.24041]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Revised: 12/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS
Olive oil is often used by patients to soften ear wax or to relieve ear canal obstruction. It is also sold in drugstores as a cerumenolytic. To date, no study has assessed the safety of ototopical olive oil on hearing in the presence of tympanic membrane perforation. The present study aimed to assess the safety of ototopic olive oil on hearing in the presence of tympanic membrane perforation.
STUDY DESIGN
Prospective, randomized, controlled trial in a chinchilla animal model.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eleven chinchillas underwent bilateral myringotomy. In each animal, one ear was randomly assigned to receive olive oil (experimental ear), while the contralateral control ear received normal saline. Auditory brain response (ABR) test was performed at baseline and then 7, 14, and 30 days following the application.
RESULTS
At 30 days follow-up, there was no significant change in auditory brain response thresholds at 8, 16, 20, or 25 kHz. Scanning electron microscope imaging showed no damage to the hair cells.
CONCLUSION
Olive oil does not seem to cause hearing loss in chinchillas with perforated tympanic membranes. Future clinical studies are required.
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