Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Ototoxicity is the property of being toxic to the ear (oto-), specifically the cochlea or auditory nerve and sometimes the vestibular system, for example, as a side effect of a drug. The effects of ototoxicity can be reversible and temporary, or irreversible and permanent. It has been recognized since the 19th century. [1]
Signs and symptoms of ototoxicity include tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness and nausea and/or vomiting. [3] The diagnosis of medicine-induced ototoxicity is challenging as it usually shows only mild symptoms in early stages. Thus, prospective ototoxicity monitoring would be required when patients are using ototoxic medications. [1]
The symptoms of cochlear hydrops fluctuate, and the condition may stabilize or go away on its own after several years. However, because the organ of Corti undergoes stress during the hydrops episodes, long-term hearing loss, tinnitus, or hyperacusis is possible. It is considered by some that cochlear hydrops is an early form of Meniere's disease.
Sensory hearing loss often occurs as a consequence of damaged or deficient cochlear hair cells. [disputed – discuss] Hair cells may be abnormal at birth or damaged during the lifetime of an individual. There are both external causes of damage, including infection, and ototoxic drugs, as well as intrinsic causes, including genetic mutations.
With treatment, the likelihood of hearing preservation varies inversely with the size of the tumor; for large tumors, preservation of hearing is rare. Because acoustic neuromas, meningiomas and most other CPA tumors are benign, slow growing or non-growing, and non-invasive, observation is a viable management option.
There are currently no approved or recommended treatments to restore hearing; it is commonly managed through using hearing aids. A few specific types of hearing loss are amenable to surgical treatment. In other cases, treatment involves addressing underlying pathologies, but any hearing loss incurred may be permanent.
Other supporting data includes a consistent loss of cochlear hair cells in patients with otosclerosis; these cells being the chief sensory organs of sound reception. A suggested mechanism for this is the release of hydrolytic enzymes into the inner ear structures by the spongiotic lesions.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants may be used to regain a sense of hearing, with different people experiencing differing degrees of success. It is possible that the affected person may need to rely on speechreading and/or sign language for communication.