OTOTOXIC DRUG MONITORING
To assist physicians in their care of patients under treatment with certain medications, Harbor Audiology provides an ototoxic drug monitoring program. Some pharmaceuticals are known to have the possibility of harming structures of the inner ear, causing a hearing impairment. These drugs include some chemotherapy agents and aminoglycoside antibiotics.
The physician may request a baseline hearing evaluation prior to initiating drug therapy. Hearing is then rechecked at weekly intervals to alert the physician to any changes. High frequency audiometry and otoacoustic emissions testing are extremely sensitive to early changes in inner ear function and may signal ototoxic levels of the medication before there is a significant change in hearing.
As part of their Ototoxic Drug protocol, Harbor Audiology offers high frequency audiometry, acoustic reflex testing and otoacoustic emissions testing. Reports are faxed to the physician within two hours of test completion. |
