Effect of (electroconvulsive therapy) on patients hearing under treatment with ECT in Moradi hospital

Background Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is widely and effectively used to treat psychiatric disorders. When electrodes are placed on both sides of the head on temporal bones it is unclear whether ECT affect on hearing system because hearing system situated in temporal lobe. Whereas these electrodes are placed on temporal bone and hearing system in TEMPORAL LOBE this study was designed. Methods We studied the effects of electroconvulsive shock on hearing system. Audiometric tests were performed in 15 adult patients with major depression under treatment with ECT before and 24h after ECT. Results Hearing was decreased at 24 hours after ECT about 5 db. Right ear was affected more and the most changes were observed at 8000 khz. Conclusions It appears that electroconvulsive shock has early effects on hearing system. Further studies should be performed with more cases and Delayed effects should be investigated.