The influence of ototoxic drugs on brainstem auditory evoked potentials in man.

To examine the short- and long-term consequences of ototoxic drug administration, the brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) have been recorded in patients undergoing treatment with aminoglycosides antibiotics. It appears that the rapidity of the i.v. injection influences the short-term consequences of the drug administration. The long-term consequences may be reversible. Their reversibility could depend on the status of the ear before the first injection of ototoxic drug. In conclusion, BAEP may be useful as a means of atraumatic monitoring of the auditory function of patients treated with aminoglycosides antibiotics, the non-invasive character of this technique allowing it to be repeatedly used in both adult and young patients.