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Progressive ototoxicity of neomycin monitored using derived brainstem response audiometry.
Hearing Research
|May 1, 1985
Summary
Systemic neomycin causes progressive hearing loss in cats, starting at high frequencies. This ototoxicity is bilateral and highlights the need for monitoring high-frequency hearing in patients receiving aminoglycosides.
Area of Science:
- Ototoxicology
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is known for potential ototoxicity.
- Understanding the progression and characteristics of neomycin-induced hearing loss is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pattern and progression of hearing loss induced by systemic neomycin administration in a feline model.
- To assess the bilateral symmetry and frequency-specific nature of neomycin ototoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Derived brainstem response (DBR) audiometry was used to monitor hearing.
- Cats received 3-5 times the maximum recommended clinical dose of neomycin over 10 days.
- Hearing was assessed before, during, and after drug administration.
Main Results:
- Progressive hearing loss was induced, predominantly affecting high frequencies first.
- The hearing loss advanced like a lesion, sparing apical regions.
- Close bilateral symmetry in hearing loss was observed between ears.
- Significant inter-animal variability in response to neomycin was noted.
Conclusions:
- Systemic neomycin administration leads to progressive, frequency-specific ototoxicity.
- Monitoring high frequencies is essential for early detection of aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss.
- The findings underscore the long-term ototoxic potential of neomycin.