Ear drops and ototoxicity

Ototoxicity is a rare but potentially serious complication of the use of aminoglycoside and other cochleo-toxic ear drops. This risk is increased when there is a perforation of the tympanic membrane or a patent grommet. Until recently, no alternatives to potentially ototoxic antibiotic ear drops were approved in Australia. The approval of fluoiroquinolone ear drops means that an alternative to the aminoglycosides is now available for use in the open middle ear. Guidelines from the Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery state that non-ototoxic antibiotic ear drops are preferable for the management of a discharging middle ear.