Molecular and genetic aspects of aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss

Along with their therapeutic action, aminoglycoside antibiotics confer ototoxic side effects, chiefly from the loss of hair cells in the cochlea and vestibular organ. Genetic predisposition to aminoglycoside ototoxicity has been demonstrated, and reactive oxygen species appear to be an upstream catalyst of damage. Avoidance of aminoglycoside ototoxicity is possible through genetic testing, and protection against aminoglycoside ototoxicity has been accomplished recently with antioxidants in a clinical study.

Section editor:Richard Smith – University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA