This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Pharmacology
Aminoglycoside affects ? 
Select and explain. 
A. Outer hair cells in basal area, B. Inner hair cells in basal area, C. Outer hair cells in apical area, D. Inner hair cells in apical area
A: Outer hair cells in basal area
Answer: A: Outer hair cells in basal area 
Explanation: Ans. is 'a' i.e., Outer hair cells in basal area Cochlear damage with the use of aminoglycosides stas from the base and spreads to the apex; hearing loss affects the high frequency sound first, then progressively encompasses the lower frequencies. Outer hair cells are easily damaged by ototoxic drugs (aminoglycosides) and high intensity noise. Inner hair cells are more resistant.