Patient's Hearing Loss Attributed to Ototoxic Medications Prescribed without Explaining Risks

A Virginia patient and an otolaryngologist have settled a case in which the physician allegedly prescribed multiple medications known to have a risk of permanent hearing damage without explaining these risks, according to an article in the May 2023 Medical Malpractice Verdicts, Settlements & Experts.

The patient first saw the physician after having some hearing loss on her left side over a four-week period, extreme ear pressure, and worsening allergic rhinitis; allergy medications failed to alleviate her symptoms. The physician diagnosed the patient with an inner ear infection on her left side, a retracted eardrum, nasal septal deviation, and other conditions. The patient underwent a myringotomy to place tubes in her...