Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Dissection of Adult Mouse Utricle and Adenovirus-mediated Supporting-cell Infection
Published on: March 28, 2012
Prevention of hearing impairment from infection and ototoxic drugs
Abstract:
Infectious diseases are a primary cause of hearing impairment and produce about 25% of profound losses. Of these, one fifth are congenital. The major infections include rubella, cytomegalovirus, measles, pertussis, meningitis, and acute otitis media. Hearing loss from ototoxicity is also observed with a number of drugs, notably the aminoglycosides, loop diuretics, and cisplatin. Preventive measures are defined according to primary, secondary, and tertiary principles. Three principles of prevention are considered: direct action, defined objectives, and the variability of effective prevention according to cause.
Insights
Infectious diseases and ototoxic drugs cause significant hearing loss, including congenital cases. Preventive strategies are crucial for mitigating these hearing impairments.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Audiology
Background:
- Infectious diseases are a leading cause of hearing impairment, accounting for approximately 25% of profound hearing losses.
- Congenital infections contribute significantly, with one-fifth of infection-related hearing loss being congenital.
- Major infectious agents include rubella, cytomegalovirus, measles, pertussis, meningitis, and acute otitis media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the causes of hearing impairment related to infectious diseases and ototoxicity.
- To discuss the principles and strategies for preventing hearing loss from these causes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of infectious diseases and ototoxic drug effects on hearing.
- Analysis of preventive measures based on primary, secondary, and tertiary principles.
Main Results:
- Infectious diseases are responsible for a substantial portion of profound hearing losses, with congenital origins being a key concern.
- Ototoxicity from medications such as aminoglycosides, loop diuretics, and cisplatin is another significant factor in acquired hearing loss.
- Effective prevention requires tailored strategies addressing specific causes and employing direct action, defined objectives, and considering variability.
Conclusions:
- Hearing impairment is a major public health issue with significant contributions from infectious agents and iatrogenic ototoxicity.
- A multi-faceted approach to prevention, encompassing various levels of intervention, is essential for reducing the burden of hearing loss.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...