Drug-induced Deafness

Drug-induced (ototoxic) deafness is cochlear/vestibular damage from ototoxic medications (aminoglycoside antibiotics, loop diuretics, cisplatin chemotherapy, salicylates, quinine), causing irreversible sensorineural hearing loss and/or tinnitus/vertigo. Treatment: avoid/monitor ototoxic drugs with drug-level monitoring; stop the offending agent if possible; hearing aids/cochlear implant for established loss; genetic testing for mitochondrial aminoglycoside susceptibility.

Common Symptoms

Sensorineural hearing loss/tinnitus; history of aminoglycoside/chemo/loop diuretic; possible vertigo

Causes and Pathogenesis

Ototoxic drugs damage cochlear hair cells, often irreversible.

Treatment

Avoid/monitor ototoxics; stop drug; hearing aids/cochlear implant; genetic testing

Preventive Measures

Drug-level monitoring; avoid unnecessary ototoxics; counsel on susceptibility.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Otolaryngology (ENT) department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.