Opioid Drugs and Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Almost from the 4th century B.C, the opioids have been consumed for analgesic and sedative effects in the recreational and religious ceremonies. Today, opioids are being prescribed for the treatment of acute and chronic painful conditions, of course, it is controversial in chronic noncancerous pain due to making tolerance and dependency. The opioid drugs have been chemically provided from different alkaloids of raw opium for medical use. Commonly abused opioid drugs consisted of heroin, morphine, opium, methadone, codeine, tramadol, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Globally, it is estimated that about 35 million individuals aged 15-65 years old misuse opioids that in comparison with cannabis and amphetamine, is less common. Opioid drugs are major public health concerns, as it has potentially adverse effects on health consequences.1 There are multiple complications with opioid use. One of the common complications is the opioid overdose. This public health concern has increased in the recent years. Opioid overdose occurs in the individuals who use opioids for treatment of chronic pain, and/or use them along with sedative drugs, in addition to family members of individuals in the passion of opioid drugs. This phenomenon is not always fatal; but can lead to various well-known complications. These non-lethal complications include functional impairment of central and peripheral nervous system, as well as gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiovascular system, and psychological disorders.