Ototoxicity

• Drugs, i.e. streptomycin, gentomycin (antibiotics, given intravenously) destroy both labyrinths of the both ear's vestibular apparatus (balance) at the same time
• usually permanent

Symptoms

• Vision
  • Loss of vestibulo-ocular reflex (reflex causing eyes to fix on an object despite movement of the head)
• Balance
  • Damage to labyrinthine system input leads to imbalance
• Not related to vertigo since vertigo is asymmetrical and does not affect both sides; no nausea

Treatment

• physiotherapy