ABSTRACT
The drugs most commonly attributed to causing ototoxicity include aminoglycosides, platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents, salicylates, loop diuretics and quinines. Ototoxicity typically results in high frequency sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus and, if the vestibular system is also affected, imbalance. Aminoglycosides are the most common class of drugs causing ototoxicity. Patients who have undergone systemic therapy with aminoglycosides should be monitored for ototoxicity for up to 6 months after treatment. It is important to take a family history of ototoxicity in patients where aminoglycoside treatment is planned. Many topical antibiotic drops used commonly in the ear contain aminoglycosides, as they are effective against common ear pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They can be safely used in the ear with an intact tympanic membrane without any risk of ototoxicity. The incidence of ototoxicity in patients taking loop diuretics is 6–7%, with tinnitus and disequilibrium being the main symptoms experienced.
