title: Topical otic antibiotics: clinical cochlear ototoxicity and cost consideration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Determine the incidence of clinical cochlear ototoxicity in routine use of Cortisporin after ventilation tube placement. Cost differential between use of Cortisporin and fluoroquinolone agents was evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review of 500 patients was performed. Cortisporin otic suspension was used for 5 days following ventilation tube insertion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Testing following surgery indicated a sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in 19 (2.1%) ears. The SNHL existed prior to the surgery and there was no deterioration in the hearing postoperatively. The total cost for our study group who used Cortisporin was $15,500. If Floxin had been prescribed the cost would have been $45,000. Had Ciprodex been prescribed, the cost would have been $49,500.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study demonstrates no clinical cochlear ototoxicity in children who received Cortisporin following ventilation tube placement. The cost differential for prescribing fluoroquinolone drops is significant.
  
  
  METHODS
  C-4.
authors.affiliation: Lippy Group for Ear, Nose and Throat, 3893 East Market Street, Warren, OH 44484, USA. lenb344@adelphia.net
authors.forename: Leonard P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Berenholz
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Burkey
authors.forename: Tonia L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Farmer
authors.forename: William H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Lippy
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics; D002648:Child; D003051:Cochlea / Q000187:drug effects; D004338:Drug Combinations; D024841:Fluoroquinolones / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation; D009355:Neomycin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011112:Polymyxin B / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013535:Suspensions
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D024841:Fluoroquinolones; D013535:Suspensions; C033225:hydrocortisone, neomycin, polymyxin B drug combination; D009355:Neomycin; D011112:Polymyxin B; D006854:Hydrocortisone