Ototoxicity is sometimes called ear poisoning. Ototoxicity is caused by chemicals or medications that damage the inner ear. The damage caused by ototoxicity is usually to the cochlea or auditory nerve, also called the eighth nerve. Damage to the eighth nerve by a toxin, or poisonous substance, is often caused neurotoxicity rather than ototoxicity.

This condition can cause hearing loss, deafness, and problems in maintaining balance and posture. Ear poisoning can also cause tinnitus. Tinnitus is hearing a sound that is not there. The sound could be ringing in the ear or a variety of other sounds. The symptoms of ototoxicity may be temporary or permanent. The person may develop symptoms of ear poisoning after one exposure or after prolonged exposure to the toxin.

Many different medications can cause hearing loss. Loop diuretics, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and even aspirin can be a cause of ototoxicity. Quinine is an anti-malaria medication that can cause ototoxicity. Some cancer-treating drugs have a risk of ototoxicity. Hearing loss due to medications is often temporary. People should not stop taking prescribed medication before discussing the risk of ear poisoning with their doctors.

Exposure to chemicals that can cause hearing loss often causes permanent damage. Carbon monoxide, mercury, carbon disulfide, manganese, tin, and lead are examples of substances that pose a risk of ototoxicity. Exposure to these substances can cause permanent hearing loss and permanent impairment of balance.

When the patient experiences hearing loss, the physician will ask a series of questions regarding the onset of the hearing loss and exposure to any substances that can cause ear poisoning. There is no specific test for ototoxicity. The diagnosis of ototoxicity is based on the patient’s history of exposure to possible causes and by ruling out other possible causes of hearing loss.

There is no cure for permanent damage caused by ototoxicity. Treatment is focused on decreasing the symptoms and helping patients cope with the hearing loss or other symptoms. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are sometimes used as part of the treatment for ear poisoning. Physical therapy is sometimes used to treat balance impairments due to ototoxicity.

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