[Ototoxicity of locally administered aminoglycoside antibiotics]

In 7 children impairment of hearing was observed after local therapy with neomycin and gentamicin because of scalding wounds. In all cases the hearing loss depends on the duration of treatment with the aminoglycoside antibiotics. Deep and well vascularised wounds strikingly enhance the absorption rates of the ototoxic drugs. 3 adults locally treated with aminoglycoside antibiotics (neomycin, framycetin, gentamicin) for ulcera cruris displayed a delayed development of hearing loss. The hearing impairment occurs several weeks after therapy and leads to deafness in severe cases even if the treatment had been discontinued a long time ago. The most relevant factors in preventing such damage are: strictest possible indication, taking into account all contraindications, as well as shortest possible duration of therapy.