Experts note that hearing problems can arise from the use of ototoxic medications, a point highlighted by clinicians at SM-Clinic and reported in Izvestia. The discussion centered on how certain drugs and medical treatments may impact the ears, sometimes after a viral illness or during ongoing therapy.
Hearing issues can show up in several ways. Some people notice an increased sensitivity to ordinary sounds, while others struggle to distinguish speech in noisy environments. Tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears, can appear, and in more severe cases there may be partial or complete hearing loss.
The risk is real and broad: more than 300 drugs have the potential to cause hearing impairment. When these medicines are used over time, their effects can accumulate and persist, largely because they interact with the auditory nerves and structures of the inner ear. The doctors emphasized that ototoxic drugs often include aminoglycoside antibiotics, which can build up in the nervous system and contribute to sensory damage.
Specific drug categories identified as potentially dangerous for hearing include amphomycins and glycopeptide antibiotics, as well as amphenicols, macrolides, loop diuretics, and platinum-based anticancer drugs. These medicines can affect the cochlea and auditory pathways, and their impact may vary from person to person. Patients receiving these treatments should have close hearing monitoring and discuss any changes with their healthcare team.
Separate guidance from a British audiologist, Cathy Ogden, underscored a practical point: ear cleaning should never be performed at home. Only an otolaryngologist has safe tools and training to clear the ears, and attempting DIY methods can risk damaging the ear canal or eardrum and may lead to lasting consequences. This reminder aligns with a broader message about protecting ear health during medical care and in daily life.
In every case, awareness is key. Individuals experiencing sudden changes in hearing, persistent fullness, or a new sound in the ears should seek professional evaluation promptly. Clinicians stress that early detection can help manage oto-toxic effects and reduce the likelihood of long-term damage, especially for patients undergoing treatments that involve known ototoxic agents.
For readers in Canada and the United States, staying informed about the medications that may affect hearing is important. Healthcare providers can offer alternatives when possible, adjust dosages, or implement protective strategies to minimize risk. Patients should maintain a personal medication log and report any hearing-related symptoms during or after therapy. The goal is to balance effective treatment with the preservation of hearing health, ensuring that medical benefits do not come at the expense of sensory function.
Overall, the conversations surrounding ototoxicity emphasize careful medication management, routine hearing checks, and trustworthy guidance from specialists. The combined input from clinicians in different regions highlights the universal relevance of this issue and the need for ongoing vigilance for anyone taking drugs with potential auditory side effects.