To prospectively evaluate possible audiovestibular changes associated with short-term oral isotretinoin therapy using pure-tone audiometry and selected videonystagmography (VNG)-based vestibular assessments.
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
Audiologists treating or counselling patients on isotretinoin should be aware of potential audiovestibular side effects; if the study finds significant changes, baseline and monitoring hearing/vestibular assessments during isotretinoin therapy may be warranted.
Isotretinoin is widely prescribed globally, and prospective objective evidence of its audiovestibular effects is sparse — this study could inform prescribing guidance and monitoring protocols across dermatology and audiology.
- 01Prospective design tracking audiovestibular function before and during oral isotretinoin therapy.
- 02Tests used: pure-tone audiometry and videonystagmography (VNG) to assess hearing and vestibular function.
- 03Isotretinoin is a retinoid (vitamin A derivative) commonly prescribed for severe acne.
- 04Study focuses on short-term treatment effects, leaving long-term impacts unknown.
- 05Findings could support or refute concerns about isotretinoin-related ototoxicity (medication-induced inner-ear damage).
Short-term oral isotretinoin therapy is associated with measurable changes in audiovestibular function detectable by audiometry and videonystagmography.
studyunclear- PMID
- 42769804
- DOI
- 10.4274/tao.2026.2026-4-9.
- Journal
- Turkish Archives of Otorhinolaryngology
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 2b
- Population
- Patients receiving oral isotretinoin therapy for dermatological conditions
- Intervention
- Oral isotretinoin therapy
Primary outcomes
Pure-tone audiometry thresholds; Videonystagmography vestibular function measures