Which medication is associated with potential hearing impairment in school-age children?

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic commonly used to treat serious bacterial infections. One of the known side effects of gentamicin, especially with prolonged use or high doses, is ototoxicity, which can lead to hearing impairment. This is particularly significant in pediatric populations, where the developing auditory system can be more susceptible to damage from medications.

The risk of hearing loss associated with gentamicin arises from its ability to damage the hair cells in the inner ear, which are crucial for hearing. In school-age children, exposure to this medication can result in varying degrees of hearing loss, impacting their ability to develop language and communication skills effectively.

In contrast, the other medications listed—amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin—are not typically associated with hearing impairment as a direct side effect. While they may have their own sets of side effects, they do not carry the same known risk for ototoxicity as gentamicin does.