ear, nose, and throat disorders
Drug Induced Ototoxicity
Key Points
Drugs may cause hearing loss, dysequilibrium, and/or tinnitus. Common ototoxic medications include aminoglycosides, platinum-containing chemotherapy medications, and high-dose salicylates. Symptoms may be transient or permanent. Use the lowest possible dose of ototoxic medications and closely monitor levels of the medication (particularly aminoglycosides); measure medication levels during treatment to help prevent hearing loss caused by ototoxic medications. Medications that cause or risk ototoxicity are stopped if possible, but there is no specific treatment. 