The harmful side effect of some drugs and toxins influencing the hearing and balance functions of the ear.
Damage to tissues of the inner ear caused by medications or chemicals, resulting in disturbances in hearing and balance. Affected tissues can include the cochlea, the cochlea’s hair cells (sensory cells that transform sound waves into nerve impulses), and the vestibulocochlear nerve that sends balance and hearing information from the inner ear to the brain. Ototoxicity may be caused by a class of antibiotics called aminoglycosides; certain anticancer drugs; certain diuretics; aspirin and aspirin-containing compounds; certain quinines including tonic water; and environmental chemicals including arsenic, lead, and carbon monoxide. The effects can be temporary or permanent.
Harmful impact on the components of the inner ear due to toxicity. Elevated doses of specific medications, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, can lead to this form of auditory and equilibrium impairment.