GangotriÂ© afateev/FotoliaThe Ganges rises in the southern Great Himalayas on the Indian side of the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Its five headstreamsâthe Bhagirathi, the Alaknanda, the Mandakini, the Dhauliganga, and the Pindarâall rise in the mountainous region of northern Uttarakhand state.
The signs of ototoxicity, in order of frequency, are: 1 â Development of tinnitus in one or both ears. 2 â Intensification of existing tinnitus or the appearance of a new sound. 3 â Fullness or pressure in the ears other than being caused by infection. 4 â Awareness of hearing loss in an unaffected ear or the progression of an existing loss. 5 â Development of vertigo or a spinning sensation usually aggravated by motion which may or may not be accompanied by nausea.
Drugs known to cause temporary hearing loss include salicylate pain relievers such as aspirin, (used for pain relief and heart conditions), quinine (used to treat malaria), and loop diuretics (used to treat certain heart and kidney conditions). Dizziness, balance problems and ear-ringing are signs that drugs may be ototoxic.