A project aiming to prevent hearing loss in children caused by antibiotic use has received a Federal Government grant.

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s (MCRI) Associate Professor Amanda Gwee has been awarded a $3 million Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The study will investigate how aminoglycoside-based (AG) antibiotics impact the hearing of children and examine which strategies could prevent this side effect.

Associate Professor Gwee said her team would explore whether blood markers or genetic tests could also predict hearing loss before any damage occurred.

“One in 10 children hospitalised in Australia for an infection will receive a course of AG antibiotics, which are generally effective and well-tolerated,” she said. In up to 5 per cent of cases, however, a child may experience permanent hearing loss after just a five-day treatment course.

“Our study will determine how to better use genetic testing, drug monitoring and other blood markers to prevent hearing damage.”

Image: Associate Professor Amanda Gwee

Associate Professor Gwee said the five-year project, across seven Australia and New Zealand hospitals, would be the first of its kind.

“Despite the use of AG antibiotics for over 50 years, there has been no specific study on preventing hearing loss,” she said. This project will provide key information to parents and doctors about the best way to safely use AG antibiotics and reduce or prevent life-altering side effects.”

Read more about MCRI’s Antimicrobials research.