Abstract
There are over 2,000 drugs with a combined total of over 400 side effects that could
result in obtaining inaccurate case history information or inaccurate test results
that may lead to misdiagnosing the patient's hearing or vestibular problem. The recommendations
that are made could be inappropriate and thus can lead to management errors. A review
of the auditory, vestibular, and cognitive side effects of many of the drugs patients
take regularly (including drugs that can cause tinnitus) is provided. This article
offers suggestions to obtain a more accurate case history. A review of preferred Web
sites to obtain drug side effect information is included. Suggestions for improved
communication strategies between the audiologist, the physician, the patient, and
the pharmacist are highlighted.
Keywords
adverse drug reaction - case history - ototoxicity - vestibular problem