Vol. 9, Issue 8, Part H (2025)

Background: Gentamicin is a potent aminoglycoside antibiotic commonly used in clinical practice, but its ototoxic effects significantly limit its application. Ototoxicity manifests as damage to cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons, often leading to permanent hearing loss. Recent studies have explored the potential role of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, in preventing drug-induced auditory damage.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the protective effect of vitamin C on gentamicin-induced cochlear toxicity in albino rats.

Methodology: Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into three groups: a control group, a gentamicin-treated group, and a group co-treated with gentamicin and vitamin C. All animals were subjected to auditory testing followed by histological and morphometric analysis of the cochlear tissue to assess structural damage and the potential protective effect of vitamin C.

Results: Rats treated with gentamicin alone exhibited significant cochlear damage, including degeneration of outer hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. However, the group co-treated with vitamin C demonstrated marked preservation of cochlear structure and function, as indicated by both histological findings and auditory thresholds.

Conclusion: Vitamin C shows a promising protective effect against gentamicin-induced ototoxicity. These findings suggest its potential therapeutic use in clinical settings to mitigate hearing loss associated with aminoglycoside treatment.