Ototoxicity

Ototoxicity is damage of the ear (oto), specifically the cochlea or auditory nerve and sometimes the vestibulum, by a toxin (often medication).

A number of drugs has been associated with damage to the cochlea. The best known are aminoglycoside antibiotics, aspirin and furosemide. Erythromycin and some other macrolide antibiotics can induce temporary deafness, which resolves upon withdrawal of the drug.

There appears to be a hereditary predisposition to ototoxic reactions.

Symptoms can be hearing loss or frank deafness, vertigo, and tinnitus.

No specific treatment is available, but immediate withdrawal of the drug is warranted.

See also

• Neurotoxicity