Abstract

Ototoxicity is as a result of a drug or chemical that affects the inner ear functions negatively, leading to hearing-balance impairment.Manisfesting as hearing loss, tinnitus and/or vertigo. Platinum based antineoplastic therapies, loop diuretics, aminoglycoside antibiotics are the most common ototoxicity related drugs; also radiotherapy and surgery involving the ear and auditory nerve are the other possible reasons. Genetic predisposition is very important in drug-induced ototoxicity. Hearing assessment with periodic audiograms during potential ototoxic treatment is the best protective method for patients. Early identification of hearing deficits is important in order to facilitate academic, language, speech, social and pysicosocial morbidity.