title: A proposed protocol for monitoring ototoxicity in patients who take cochleo- or vestibulotoxic drugs.
abstract: No widely accepted protocol or guideline exists for monitoring ototoxicity in patients who take powerful and potentially cochleotoxic and/or vestibulotoxic agents. Many physicians in other specialties who prescribe these drugs do not understand the important role of otolaryngologists and audiologists in pretreatment counseling and evaluation and the need for follow-up assessments of their patients' auditory function. Based on our combined experience of more than 50 years, we have developed a uniform yet flexible approach to monitoring cochlear and vestibular function in these patients. We discuss the mechanisms of ototoxic agents, risk factors for ototoxicity, the need for ongoing communication among the various disciplines, and the methods and timing of monitoring.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hearing and Balance Disorders, North Shore Otolaryngology Associates, 333 E. Shore Rd., Suite 200, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA. audoncall@aol.com
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vasquez
authors.forename: Kenneth F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Mattucci
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003051:Cochlea / Q000187:drug effects*; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D010348:Patient Care Team; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000187:drug effects*