1. the quality or state of being poisonous or harmful to the ear or to the eighth cranial nerve, especially causing hearing loss or balance disorders
Usage: medical/pharmacological term; typically used in clinical and scientific contexts

Examples

• The ototoxicity of certain antibiotics is a serious concern when treating severe infections.
• Patients taking aminoglycoside drugs must be monitored for signs of ototoxicity.
• High doses of chemotherapy can cause ototoxicity, resulting in permanent hearing damage.
• The ototoxicity of the medication was discovered after several patients reported sudden hearing loss.
• Researchers are studying ways to reduce the ototoxicity of life-saving drugs.
• Ototoxicity can affect both hearing and balance, leading to dizziness and vertigo.