Which class of antibiotics is known to potentially cause hearing loss?

Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics that are particularly known for their potential to cause ototoxicity, which can result in hearing loss. This adverse effect is due to the ability of aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin and amikacin, to damage the hair cells in the cochlea of the inner ear, leading to sensory-neural hearing loss.

The risk of ototoxicity is higher in situations where there is prolonged use of these antibiotics, especially at higher doses, or when used in conjunction with other ototoxic medications. Because of this potential side effect, monitoring of renal function and audiometry may be warranted during aminoglycoside treatment.

Other classes of antibiotics, such as macrolides, penicillins, and tetracyclines, generally do not have a significant risk of causing hearing loss, making aminoglycosides the main concern in this regard. This specific profile of ototoxic risk is crucial for clinicians to consider when prescribing antibiotics, especially for patients who may already have predisposing factors for hearing loss.