Substances such as heavy metals and certain medications that can cause hearing damage are known as what?

Substances that can lead to hearing damage are classified as ototoxins. Ototoxicity specifically refers to the property of certain drugs or chemicals that can harm the inner ear structures or auditory pathways, resulting in hearing loss or balance disorders. This category includes various medications, particularly some antibiotics and chemotherapy agents, as well as heavy metals like lead and mercury.

Understanding ototoxicity is essential for audiology professionals as it helps them recognize risk factors in patients and play a crucial role in preventing and managing hearing loss associated with these substances. The term 'neurotoxins' encompasses a broader range of toxins that affect the nervous system but isn't specific to hearing. Antibiotics, while some may be ototoxic, do not inherently mean they cause hearing damage. Asphyxiants are substances that can cause suffocation and do not specifically impact auditory functions.