While antibiotics are necessary, life-saving drugs, some also carry the risk of hearing loss. The fact that these medications can cause damage to the ear makes them ototoxic.
What Is Ototoxicity?
If a medication is ototoxic, it means it can damage the ear and result in:
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Balance issues
Currently, there are over 200 medications that are considered ototoxic available. Many are only available through prescription, but some can be found over the counter at Solano Pharmacy or other drugstores.
How Antibiotics Can Affect Hearing
Aminoglycosides are a powerful type of antibiotic often used in critical care settings to treat meningitis, sepsis, and other life-threatening infections.
Unfortunately, because these types of antibiotics are so strong, they can have serious unintended effects. Using these drugs can damage the hair cells in the inner ear that detect sound and motion. Enough damage can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Deciding to Use Ototoxic Medications
Doctors take the risk of hearing loss seriously and do not make the decision to prescribe ototoxic drugs lightly. In cases of life-threatening emergencies, the benefits of these drugs outweigh the potential risks.
If you have the option, ideally doctors would monitor your hearing before and during treatment with an ototoxic drug. This includes getting a baseline hearing test by an audiologist as well as a balance evaluation before you start the medication. However, in emergency situations, this may not be possible.
Research is currently underway to develop methods of protecting people from ototoxicity. However, at this time there is no approved strategy.
Be On the Lookout for Signs of Ear Damage
If you recently took or are taking an ototoxic medication, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of ear damage. This may include things like:
- Feeling unsteady on your feet
- Noticing a ringing or buzzing in your ear
- Trouble understanding sounds or speech
- Difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds like birds chirping or children talking
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment for a hearing test as soon as possible. Untreated hearing loss will likely only worsen over time. The earlier you seek help, the more likely it is you can protect your hearing from further damage.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, contact Valley Audiology today.