Is Pool Water Disinfectant (Hydrogen Peroxide-Silver Composition) Ototoxic in Rats?

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether hydrogen peroxide and silver composition (H202-Ag) used in pool water disinfectant is ototoxic to individuals with tympanic membrane perforation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The tympanic membranes of both ears of 14 Wistar-type albino female rats were perforated. Since topical application was performed, the right and left ears were categorized as two subgroups (a: right ear, b: left ear). Baseline auditory brainstem response (ABR) was measured. The groups were classified according to topical applications performed as Ia (30 mg/L H202-Ag), Ib (saline), IIa (70 mg/L H202-Ag), and IIb (saline). The topical applications were performed for 30 min/day for 10 days. The ABR was measured 24 hours after the last application, and the animals were sacrificed. Bilateral temporal bones were examined using light microscopy. RESULTS: An apparent rise in the hearing thresholds of the groups Ia and Ib was not observed. However, there was an apparent rise in the hearing thresholds of the group IIa, which supports ototoxicity. According to histopathology results, there weren't any pathological findings in groups Ia and Ib and did not display special features, but a neurotoxic effect was observed in group II. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the H202-Ag used in pool water disinfection can have ototoxic and neurotoxic effects, particularly at high concentrations.