Cochlear Damage From Ototoxic Antibiotics By Intratympanic Application

Abstract

Cochlear damage resulting from intratympanic application of neomycin, polymyxin B and colimycin was studied experimentally in guinea pigs. The cochleas were examined histologically according to the method of Engström and sensory cell loss was recorded graphically. It was found that relatively low concentrations of the drugs caused damage to the organ of Corti. On the basis of the findings, the possible diffusion routes of the antibiotics in the fluid spaces of the inner ear and the dangers arising from their topical use are discussed.