Ototoxicity: Basic Science and Clinical Applications

The property of being toxic to the ear, especially, to the auditory nerve or cochlea and the vestibular system, is termed as ototoxicity. The effects of toxicity can be permanent and irreversible or temporary and reversible. There are many drugs used in clinical situations that are ototoxic and are prescribed for very serious health conditions despite the risk of hearing disorders. A few of these drugs are antibiotics such as tobramycin, streptomycin, gentamicin, platinum-based chemotherapy...