Auditory nerve deafness is most commonly associated with which antibiotic?

Auditory nerve deafness is most commonly associated with which antibiotic?

• A. Amikacin
• B. Streptomycin
• C. Neomycin
• D. Gentamycin

Answer: (D)

Auditory nerve deafness reflects damage to the cochlear hair cells and the auditory nerve from drug toxicity. Aminoglycosides are a major source of ototoxicity, entering the inner ear fluids and triggering reactive oxygen species that injure hair cells and their mitochondria, leading to irreversible sensorineural hearing loss. Among these antibiotics, gentamicin has the strongest and most consistent link to cochlear (auditory) toxicity, causing high-frequency hearing loss that can progress with continued exposure. Streptomycin, by comparison, is more typically associated with vestibular toxicity (balance disturbances). Neomycin and others can also be ototoxic, but the pattern taught is that gentamicin is the most common culprit for auditory nerve deafness.

Auditory nerve deafness reflects damage to the cochlear hair cells and the auditory nerve from drug toxicity. Aminoglycosides are a major source of ototoxicity, entering the inner ear fluids and triggering reactive oxygen species that injure hair cells and their mitochondria, leading to irreversible sensorineural hearing loss. Among these antibiotics, gentamicin has the strongest and most consistent link to cochlear (auditory) toxicity, causing high-frequency hearing loss that can progress with continued exposure. Streptomycin, by comparison, is more typically associated with vestibular toxicity (balance disturbances). Neomycin and others can also be ototoxic, but the pattern taught is that gentamicin is the most common culprit for auditory nerve deafness.