Walker Hearing Clinic Article
What are Ototoxic Medications?
What are Ototoxic Medications?
What are Ototoxic Medications?
Graham Walker
Ototoxic Medication refers to any drug that damages the inner ear resulting in hearing loss, ringing in the ear, or balance disorders. Signs of ototoxicity may show immediately after you start taking medication or they may come on gradually.
There are more than 200 medications known to cause ototoxicity on the market today. These are medications used to treat serious infections, heart disease and cancer. It is possible to reverse any hearing and balance problems caused by ototoxicity once you stop taking medication but sometimes the damage is permanent. Ototoxic medications known to cause permanent damage include aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin and cancer chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin.
These Symptoms Include:
Having tinnitus
Having hearing loss (in one or both ears)
Having trouble balancing when you’re walking or climbing stairs
Having trouble walking at night or in the dark
Walking with your legs far apart to maintain balance
Perceiving stationary objects around you as moving (oscillopsia)
Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or tired
Who is at risk?
There are several factors that can increase your risk of ototoxicity:
High doses or long-term use of ototoxic drugs
Kidney or hearing problems
Genetic predisposition
Simultaneous use of multiple ototoxic medications
Age
How is Ototoxicity Diagnosed?
Firstly, you will meet with your healthcare specialist who will preform a number of tests on your inner ear depending on your symptoms. If you get prescribed an ototoxic drug, your healthcare specialist may preform periodic tests while you’re taking the medicine. This will determine whether you’re experiencing any of the side effects.
Protecting Your Hearing
If you need a medication that carries a risk of ototoxicity, you don’t necessarily have to avoid it, but you should try to minimize the risk:
Hearing test: Have your hearing tested before starting treatment.
Regular monitoring: Get periodic hearing tests during treatment.
Report symptoms early: The sooner problems are detected, the better the chances of reducing permanent damage.
Medication alternatives: Ask if there are non-ototoxic alternatives when appropriate.
Stay hydrated and follow dosage instructions carefully.
How is Ototoxicity Treated?
Hearing aids: Hearing aids are very useful to improve access to speech and aid communication.
Cochlear implants: A cochlear implant is a surgical device used to improve your hearing when hearing aids aren’t enough.
Vestibular rehabilitation: A vestibular therapist may be needed to assist with any balance related issues related to the inner ear.
If you or a family member would like to book a consultation, give us a call at (021) 234 1239 or book online.
Ototoxic Medication refers to any drug that damages the inner ear resulting in hearing loss, ringing in the ear, or balance disorders. Signs of ototoxicity may show immediately after you start taking medication or they may come on gradually.
There are more than 200 medications known to cause ototoxicity on the market today. These are medications used to treat serious infections, heart disease and cancer. It is possible to reverse any hearing and balance problems caused by ototoxicity once you stop taking medication but sometimes the damage is permanent. Ototoxic medications known to cause permanent damage include aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin and cancer chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin.
These Symptoms Include:
Having tinnitus
Having hearing loss (in one or both ears)
Having trouble balancing when you’re walking or climbing stairs
Having trouble walking at night or in the dark
Walking with your legs far apart to maintain balance
Perceiving stationary objects around you as moving (oscillopsia)
Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or tired
Who is at risk?
There are several factors that can increase your risk of ototoxicity:
High doses or long-term use of ototoxic drugs
Kidney or hearing problems
Genetic predisposition
Simultaneous use of multiple ototoxic medications
Age
How is Ototoxicity Diagnosed?
Firstly, you will meet with your healthcare specialist who will preform a number of tests on your inner ear depending on your symptoms. If you get prescribed an ototoxic drug, your healthcare specialist may preform periodic tests while you’re taking the medicine. This will determine whether you’re experiencing any of the side effects.
Protecting Your Hearing
If you need a medication that carries a risk of ototoxicity, you don’t necessarily have to avoid it, but you should try to minimize the risk:
Hearing test: Have your hearing tested before starting treatment.
Regular monitoring: Get periodic hearing tests during treatment.
Report symptoms early: The sooner problems are detected, the better the chances of reducing permanent damage.
Medication alternatives: Ask if there are non-ototoxic alternatives when appropriate.
Stay hydrated and follow dosage instructions carefully.
How is Ototoxicity Treated?
Hearing aids: Hearing aids are very useful to improve access to speech and aid communication.
Cochlear implants: A cochlear implant is a surgical device used to improve your hearing when hearing aids aren’t enough.
Vestibular rehabilitation: A vestibular therapist may be needed to assist with any balance related issues related to the inner ear.
If you or a family member would like to book a consultation, give us a call at (021) 234 1239 or book online.
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At 88 years of age, I was a little nervous about getting hearing aids, but from the moment I walked into Walker Hearing I was treated with such kindness, patience, and understanding.
Ellen K
3 Months Ago
I had a great experience with Walker hearing clinic. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. My Audiologist, Rachel, was very good. She explained the process step by step and everything went smoothly. I’d highly recommend.
Paul G
2 months ago
I would highly recommend Walker Hearing Clinics. The team are very friendly and accommodating. I had a doctors appointment in Cork, so they kindly arranged my appointment to fit in after that, explaining how to get there to avoid the queues.
Rachel M
3 months ago
I would highly recommend Walker Hearing Clinics! They offered us exceptional paediatric care, are highly supportive, friendly, welcoming and professional. We had the pleasure of dealing with Clara, Anne & Amy.
Carol D
2 months ago
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Fill in the form and one of our team will give you a call. No pressure, no obligation, just friendly advice from people who genuinely care.
Request a Callback
Have a question about your hearing or a loved one's?
Fill in the form and one of our team will give you a call. No pressure, no obligation, just friendly advice from people who genuinely care.
Ireland’s highest-rated independent hearing clinics, proudly family-run and delivering Audiological excellence across the Munster area.
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Ireland’s highest-rated independent hearing clinics, proudly family-run and delivering Audiological excellence across the Munster area.
Services
Ireland’s highest-rated independent hearing clinics, proudly family-run and delivering Audiological excellence across the Munster area.