The problem of iatrogenic ototoxicity of medicines used in everyday medical practice

Background. Medical development in the field of pharmacotherapy brings clear benefits of the latest medications application on the one hand, and on the other hand the risk of ototoxicity. It involves both the primary care and specialist treatment. Material and methods. Specific nature of iatrogenically induced ototoxic hearing loss requires to screen the hearing conditions during pharmacotherapy treatment. Simple audiological tests allow to minimize or early detect possible ototoxic hearing loss symptoms. Results. Currently, among more than a hundred medications classified as potentially ototoxic, the varied etiopathogenesis of hearing loss can be recognized, but there are also some common features. Some promising bioprotective mechanisms of certain medications have been noted. Conclusions. In the general use of potentialy ototoxic medications the important role of the GP is emphasized, in order to protect the patient against side effect of their use.