Ototoxicity of erythromycin in man: electrophysiologic approach

Am J Otol. 1993 Mar;14(2):186-8.

Abstract

Ototoxicity is probably the least acknowledged adverse reaction of erythromycin. The mechanism of erythromycin ototoxicity is still unknown. Here we report on two new cases of erythromycin-induced hearing loss. In both of them, serial evoked auditory brainstem potentials (EABPs) were obtained. The recorded EABPs showed absence of waves I to III during treatment with erythromycin, and normalization of all EABP waves after the administration of erythromycin had been stopped. Our findings support the hypothesis that erythromycin-induced hearing loss is attributable to a functional disorder in the peripheral parts of the auditory system.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Auditory Diseases, Central / diagnosis
  • Auditory Pathways / drug effects
  • Erythromycin / toxicity*
  • Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem
  • Female
  • Hearing Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Hearing Disorders / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Erythromycin