Erythromycin and deafness

[Madgirl2]

Does anyone know why a side effect of taking erythromycin is deafness? I have had a prolonged course of this antibiotic (which finished 36 hours ago) and have been plagued by deafness throughout the course. I understand that things should go back to normal soon but was wondering if anyone can give me a physiological explanation for the deafness experienced?

[theprof]

The reasons why macrolide antibiotics cause what is known as transient perceptive deafness is not well understood. To make matters worse, the exact site within the inner ear that is affected has been subject to much speculation.
Some investigators seem to think that the deafness is caused by damage to the stria vascularis, which is a layer of epithelium cells within the cochlea. It is thought the damage causes a change in the ionic potential within the cochlea, and this in turn causes the deafness.
Other workers suggest damage, effectively poisoning, of the nerve pathways within the inner ear.
The deafness and sometimes tinnitus is usually reversible from around one day to two months following cessation of the course, although sometimes patients with hepatic disorders take longer.
The risk of ototoxicity is also greater with the elderly and those with renal function problems.

[Madgirl2]

Thanks Prof. As a student nurse that makes sense even though nothing is conclusive. Hopefully things will revert to normal soon, however, I am enjoying the selective hearing this affords me at the moment........

[theprof]

I'm sure you'll soon recover from the transient deafness and I wish you all the best with your studies.

I thought I had been a little too technical when I posted my answer, but I'm glad to see that you know what I'm talking about!

[AGENT X]

since your ears, sinus, mouth eyes are all connected, when the antibiotics you are given start to work it will kill only a portion of the spectrum of bacteria, others will take there place. this somtimes will create other symtoms or problems at first. when the body becomes able to help the antibiotics with its own immune system, you may feel like your getting worse then better. this is the exact they give you a full course of medicine and expect you to take all 7-10 days worth even though your felling better it gives your body a chance to catch up and kill all the bad germs

[Madgirl2]

It's just really annoying because I stopped taking these antibiotics (after a full course) 5 days ago and the ringing and deafness doesn't seem to be lessening. Erythromycin? Never again!!!!!