Subacute carbon monoxide poisoning presenting as vertigo and fluctuating low frequency hearing loss

Abstract

It is estimated that up to 25 000 UK residents are exposed to small amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) annually. Symptoms of chronic exposure to CO are vague and non-specific and include dizziness and hearing loss. We describe a case of 38-year-old lady presenting with a 4-month history of vertigo and hearing loss. Initially diagnosed as Meniere's disease, the patient was investigated and followed up in the clinic. She reported leakage of carbon monoxide from her gas fire identified during a routine safety check. Her symptoms fully resolved after disconnecting the faulty gas fire. A rare cause of fluctuating hearing loss and vertigo is described, and the diagnostic challenges are discussed.