Many common medications, including salicylates, quinines, and the aminoglycoside antibiotics, can cause ototoxicity, or ear poisoning.

The onset of toxicity is not as dramatic as anaphylactic shock nor is it visible, like a vibrant red rash. But the impact of this quiet damage on patients’ well-being is no less profound. It can produce anything from a mild hearing loss to profound bilateral deafness and can cause balance problems severe enough to prevent employment.

This course will help the reader understand ototoxicity, its causes, and the appropriate nursing care. Topics include anatomy and physiology, ototoxic substances, signs and symptoms of ototoxicity, risk factors, assessment, and nursing interventions.

The purpose of this program is to increase nurses’ knowledge about the causes and treatment of ototoxicity and to educate them to recognize and prevent ototoxicity in patients. After studying the information presented here, you will be able to:

• Describe the structure and function of the inner ear
• Identify common ototoxic substances
• Identify signs and symptoms of ototoxicity
• Discuss the risk factors of ototoxicity
• Explain ototoxicity assessment skills
• Explain nursing interventions for the prevention of ototoxicity and the care of ototoxic patients.