[Deafness due to topical neomycin (author's transl)]

Today neomycin is almost exclusively given as an ointment in combination with other antibiotics, because of its known oto- and nephrotoxicity. Topical application in high dosage can cause ototoxicity as proved by one patient from this clinic. After laryngectomy and neck dissection for an extensive carcinoma of the epiglottis a 2 X 2 cm dehiscent pyocyaneus infected wound was treated daily with neomycin sulphate solution. A total of 30 gm was given over 3 months during which time the patient became deaf neomycin caused the deafness.