Which class of drugs can lead to ototoxicity?

Ototoxicity refers to the potential of certain substances to cause damage to the inner ear, leading to hearing loss or balance disorders. The class of drugs that is predominantly associated with ototoxicity is antibacterial agents, particularly aminoglycosides like gentamicin and tobramycin. These drugs can cause damage to the hair cells in the cochlea, which are critical for hearing, and can also affect the vestibular system, impacting balance.

Understanding why antibacterial agents can cause ototoxicity involves recognizing that these medications have a specific affinity for the tissues in the inner ear, and their accumulation can result in toxic effects. Additionally, factors such as dosage, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility can influence the risk of developing ototoxic side effects when using these drugs.

The other classes mentioned in the question have different risk profiles. Aspirin can cause tinnitus and hearing loss at high doses but is not primarily known for causing ototoxicity; it affects hearing through different mechanisms. Statins are primarily used for lowering cholesterol and do not have documented ototoxic effects. Calcium channel blockers manage hypertension and cardiovascular conditions and are not linked to ototoxicity as a side effect. Thus, while some of these drugs may affect hearing in certain scenarios, antibacterial agents are