What toxin(s) in what edible substance may have caused Ludwig van Beethoven’s deafness?
Lead contaminated wine. Many historians and toxicologists have speculated on this problem. Many conditions may have contributed to Beethoven’s deafness. However, temporal bone analysis showed elevated levels of lead. Beethoven’s wine consumption increased to 3 liters per day, usually Hungarian in origin. Wine was often adulterated with lead. He died from cirrhosis, ascites, encephalopathy,
Brotto D, Fellin R, Sorrentino F, Gheller F, Trevisi P, Bovo R. A Modern Case Sheds Light on a Classical Enigma: Beethoven’s Deafness. The Laryngoscope. 2021;131(1):179-185. doi:10.1002/lary.28464
Contributed by Samuel Cory, DO, , PGY-3 emergency medicine resident at St. Rita’s Medical Center