Ototoxicity

Term: OtotoxicityDefinition: Ototoxicity refers to the property of being toxic to the ear, which can lead to hearing loss, balance problems, or ringing in the ears.Phonetic Pronunciation: (oh-toh-TOKS-ihs-ih-tee)Origin: The term "ototoxicity" is derived from the Greek words "otos," meaning ear, and "toxikon," meaning poison. It was coined to describe the adverse effects of certain drugs and chemicals on the auditory and vestibular systems.Significance in Asbestos Context: While ototoxicity is not directly linked to asbestos exposure, some treatments for asbestos-related diseases, such as chemotherapy, can have ototoxic effects. This is significant for patients as it may impact their quality of life and treatment decisions.Example Sentence: The patient undergoing chemotherapy for mesothelioma experienced ototoxicity, resulting in hearing loss that affected their daily communication.Related Terms: Chemotherapy, Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Vestibular Dysfunction, NeurotoxicityNotes: - Ototoxicity can be reversible or permanent depending on the causative agent and duration of exposure. - Not all patients receiving ototoxic treatments will experience hearing or balance issues. - Regular monitoring of hearing is recommended for those undergoing treatments with known ototoxic effects.