Effects of Kanamycin on Hearing and Vestibular Function in Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients.

Kanamycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), poses a significant risk of ototoxicity, potentially affecting hearing and balance. This study aimed to investigate the impact of kanamycin on auditory and vestibular function in MDR-TB patients focusing on the development of Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL), dizziness, and tinnitus. A cohort of primarily young patients (44.4% aged 19-30, 69.4% female) underwent interviews, tuning fork tests, and Pure Tone Audiometry before and after treatment. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between kanamycin use SNHL, dizziness, and tinnitus. A substantial proportion of participants experienced hearing loss and balance-related symptoms post-treatment. The findings underscore the need for routine auditory and vestibular monitoring in MDR-TB patients, particularly those at higher risk. Further research on minimizing kanamycin-induced ototoxicity, exploring alternative therapies, and conducting longitudinal studies to assess long-term auditory and vestibular outcomes in MDR-TB treatment.