Which of the following is a potential effect of Aminoglycosides on patients?

Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics commonly used to treat serious infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. One of the significant potential effects of aminoglycosides is ototoxicity, which refers to damage to the inner ear that can lead to hearing loss or balance issues. Ototoxicity occurs because aminoglycosides can accumulate in the inner ear structures, affecting the hair cells responsible for hearing and balance.

This side effect is particularly important to monitor, especially in patients who may already have risk factors for hearing impairment or in those receiving higher doses or prolonged treatment with these medications. Assessment of hearing function is often included as part of the management of patients receiving aminoglycosides to identify any early signs of ototoxicity.

The other options do not typically associate directly with aminoglycosides. Cardiac hypertrophy, hallucinations, and visual impairment are not recognized adverse effects of this class of antibiotics, making ototoxicity the correct answer.