Background: Whereas cochlear impairment after intravenous ingestions o
f salicylates is well known, reports of cochlear symptoms after topica
l application are quite rare. The extent of the ototoxic salicylate im
pact is increased by diabetes, renal insufficiency, and alcoholism. Pa
tient: This study presents a case report of a female patient who suffe
red a repeated, symmetric, pancochlear, reversible inner ear impairmen
t after two treatments with salicylate containing ointment for psorias
is. The correlation of the salicylate therapy with the observed inner
ear lesions is obvious due to the close interval between these inciden
ces and to the audiologic criteria typical for salicylate intoxication
. Conclusion: Audiologic controls should be carried out during extende
d local application of salicylate containing ointment.