What is Ototoxicity?
While medications are intended to make you feel better, they can sometimes have unwanted side effects. Ototoxicity refers to inner ear damage from exposure to certain drugs or chemicals, leading to hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues. [1]
In this article, we’ll look at what causes ototoxicity, the symptoms, and how awareness can help in prevention and early intervention.
Causes of Ototoxicity
Ototoxicity happens when certain substances adversely affect the inner ear's cells that are responsible for hearing and balance. Common causes include:
Ototoxicity Symptoms
You may notice signs and symptoms right away as you start taking new medications, or it may develop over time. These symptoms often include:
If you notice these symptoms and think they’re connected to your medications or exposure to chemicals, talk to your doctor right away. Early symptom recognition can help prevent further damage.
Common Ototoxic Drugs
Over 200 medications are known to be ototoxic. Let’s look at a few ototoxic medication types:
These medications are often used for severe, life-threatening bacterial infections. Ototoxic antibiotics may include:
- Amikacin
- Gentamicin
- Neomycin
- Streptomycin
- Tobramycin
- Vancomycin
Platinum-based drugs for cancer treatment.
Examples:
- Carboplatin
- Cisplatin
Treat serious fluid retention and hypertension.
Examples:
- Bumetanide (Bumex)
- Ethacrynic Acid (Edecrin)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Torsemide
High doses (6-8 gm/ day) can be ototoxic. [7]
Example:
- Aspirin
Ototoxic antibiotics can include:
- Erythromycin
- Azithromycin
- Clarithromycin
Examples:
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
Before you start taking new medication, talk to your healthcare providers about potential ototoxic effects.
Is Ototoxicity Reversible?
Ototoxicity can sometimes be reversible, but it depends on the specific drug, dosage, how long exposure has been going on, and overall health. In many cases, stopping the medication can lead to partial or full recovery of hearing or balance function. [8]
However, ototoxicity may cause permanent damage, especially if exposure is prolonged or the inner ear is particularly sensitive. To minimize the risk of long-term effects, you’ll want to have regular hearing assessments during treatment with known ototoxic drugs.
Ototoxicity Treatment: What Can Be Done
While there's no universal cure, there are steps you can take. If your doctor allows, stop or reduce exposure to the ototoxic substance or look at switching to another medication. If hearing loss is significant and permanent, your healthcare provider may recommend talking to an audiologist about hearing aids.
Preventing and Managing Ototoxicity
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Our hearing care advocates will call you shortly and help answer all your questions.Sources:
[1] Cleveland Clinic. “Ototoxicity” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24769-ototoxicity
[2] American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Ototoxic Medications (Medication Effects)”’ Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/ototoxic-medications/
[3] Center for Disease Control. “Chemical-Induced Hearing Loss” Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/about/chemicals.html
[4] Center for Disease Control. “Chemical-Induced Hearing Loss” Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/about/chemicals.html
[5] American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Ototoxic Medications (Medication Effects)” Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/ototoxic-medications/
[6] Cleveland Clinic. “Ototoxicity” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24769-ototoxicity
[7] National Library of Medicine. “Review of salicylate-induced hearing loss, neurotoxicity, tinnitus and neuropathophysiology” Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4025186/
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