Streptomycin ototoxicity in the unborn child

Streptomycin has been used in pregnant patients for more than 30 years. Some doubt, however, still exists with regard to its effects on the ear of the unborn child. Thirty-three children whose mothers had received streptomycin during pregnancy were followed up and their hearing tested. A minor degree of hearing loss which could possible be due to the action of streptomycin was found in only 2 children.