Mechanisms of Aminoglycoside- and Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity

Purpose: This review article summarizes our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying acquired hearing loss from hospital-prescribed medications that affects as many as 1 million people each year in Western Europe and North America. Yet, there are currently no federally approved drugs to prevent or treat the debilitating and permanent hearing loss caused by the life-saving platinum-based anticancer drugs or the bactericidal aminoglycoside antibiotics. Hearing loss has long-term impacts on quality-of-life measures, especially in young children and older adults. This review article also highlights some of the current knowledge gaps regarding iatrogenic causes of hearing loss. Conclusion: Further research is urgently needed to further refine clinical practice and better ameliorate iatrogenic drug-induced hearing loss.

Automated summary

This review article summarizes the current understanding of acquired hearing loss mechanisms caused by hospital-prescribed medications in Western Europe and North America. It emphasizes the knowledge gaps regarding iatrogenic causes of hearing loss and calls for further research to better prevent and treat drug-induced hearing loss.