Which substances are known to cause hearing loss due to their toxic effects?

Ototoxins are substances that can cause damage to the auditory system, leading to hearing loss. Common examples of ototoxins include certain medications such as antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides) and chemotherapy drugs (e.g., cisplatin), as well as environmental toxins and heavy metals. These substances can affect the inner ear structures or the auditory nerve, resulting in significant hearing impairment.

Presbycusis refers to age-related hearing loss, which occurs as a natural part of the aging process and is not due to exposure to toxic substances. Cerumen, commonly known as earwax, can cause temporary conductive hearing loss if it builds up excessively, but it is not classified as a toxic substance. Conductive agents generally refer to materials or methods that affect the conduction of sound, but they do not inherently possess toxic properties that lead to hearing loss.