The Impact of Pharmaceutical Side Effects on Audiological and Vestibular Measurements

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.