Deaf Chow after using Mometamax

Question
We have an 7-9 year old chow that had developed an ear infection.  The dr. prescribed Mometamax.  We noticed right afterward a severe hearing loss in our dog.  When we questioned the vet he had no explanation other than sudden hearing loss can occur in older dogs.  I'm convinced it is this medication after reading your post about the other dog that experienced the same thing.  My question is you mentioned reversible.  How can we get our beloved Chow's hearing back????

Answer
It is well known that Gentamycin, the antibiotic in Mometamax, can cause temporary deafness.  It is probably written in the drug insert somewhere. Many people have a genetic susceptibility to ototoxicity from Gentamycin.  Fortunately, with the withdrawl of the antibiotic, the situation can reverse.  Stop the medication and ask your vet to give a shot of dexamethasone, a very potent steroid that will reduce inflammation in the cochlea.  In most cases, the hearing will return in 2 weeks.

Hearing loss in the dog can only be detected if BOTH ears are affected.  If your dog only had one ear that was infected and treated, there may be some other type of hearing loss that was present when the Mometamax was started.