What is Ototoxicity?

Hearing loss is something that many people suffer from – sometimes it is temporary and can be cleared up, like if you have an ear infection, you can take antibiotics for it, or if you have a blocked ear caused by wax you can go to a professional like this ear wax removal Bristol based company www.earwax.co.uk/ear-wax-removal-near-me/bristol who will be able to remove it for you.

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However, something else that is less known that is a common cause of hearing loss is ototoxicity. This is where a type of chemical has led to damage which has caused hearing loss or tinnitus (a ringing in the ears).

Some medications, although good at treating certain things, can have a damaging effect on the ears. Many types of medicines can cause this, from chemotherapy drugs to certain types of antibiotics. They do this by damaging the delicate hairs and nerves that are found in the inner ear.

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There are also other substances that some people can be exposed to in their work that can cause ototoxicity – these include chemicals like pesticides used in agriculture, as well as solvents that can be used in construction and engineering professions.

In some cases, ototoxicity can be treated and cured, but in cases where the damage is extensive it may not be possible to restore the hearing. In these cases, hearing aids can be used to help the person to be able to hear properly, as well as therapies to help with balance, and in the case of tinnitus white noise therapy.

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