A Clear Guide to Ototoxicity
Targeted Management of Ototoxicity
Ototoxicity refers to hearing or balance changes linked to certain medications and treatments. Many effects are mild, temporary, or monitored safely during care. An urgent audiovestibular medicine review is needed if hearing drops suddenly, tinnitus appears quickly, balance becomes unstable, symptoms worsen after dose changes, or neurological signs develop during or after treatment.
Medication-Related Hearing Loss
An Overview of Ototoxicity
Ototoxicity occurs when certain medications or medical treatments affect the inner ear, altering hearing, balance, or both. These effects occur because some drugs can interfere with delicate inner ear structures or nerve pathways involved in hearing and balance. Symptoms may include hearing changes, ringing in the ears, dizziness, or imbalance, and can develop gradually or over a short period.
Ototoxic effects vary depending on the medication, dose, treatment duration, and individual sensitivity. In many cases, changes are mild or reversible once treatment stops, while others require monitoring. Early identification allows clinicians to balance medical treatment needs with hearing and balance protection wherever possible.
Pinpointing the Cause
Diagnosing Ototoxicity
When to Get Checked
Medication-related hearing or balance changes should never be ignored, especially when symptoms evolve during or after treatment. Early review helps prevent progression and supports safer ongoing care.
You should be assessed if hearing changes appear suddenly, tinnitus develops quickly, balance becomes unstable, symptoms worsen after changes in medication dose, or problems affect both ears. Urgent review is needed if hearing loss progresses rapidly, vertigo interferes with walking, neurological symptoms appear, or changes occur during chemotherapy or long-term antibiotic treatment.
How We Assess Ototoxicity
At Harley AVM, assessment begins with a focused review of medication exposure and symptom timing. We look at which drugs were used, dosage changes, treatment duration, and when hearing or balance symptoms appeared. We also consider medical history, concurrent treatments, and day-to-day impact to judge whether changes align with ototoxic effects and to guide safe next steps.
Investigations are selected based on presentation and may include pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, speech-in-noise testing, tympanometry, acoustic reflex threshold testing, eustachian tube function assessment, and otoacoustic emissions. Our senior audiovestibular consultant oversees the process, ensuring results are interpreted in the context of treatment and clinical risk.
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DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Specialist Tests to Assess Hearing, Balance and Inner Ear Health
Harley Street Specialists in Hearing, Dizziness & Balance
Specialist Care for Ototoxicity
Every Ototoxicity case is different. Your consultant will create a tailored plan to address your specific symptoms and lifestyle – when it started, how it affects your day, and which tests and treatments are right for you.