Medications Linked to Hearing Loss

Our hearing is one of the most important ways we connect with the world around us, and we rely on our ears to help us with everything we do, whether it’s conversations with the family, success at work, or even safety from being able to hear the smoke or fire alarm.

Our hearing is at risk for permanent hearing loss from exposure to excessive noise, wears down slowly with normal aging, and is even affected by the sounds of daily living like the traffic on your regular commute, the weekend concert you attended, or the music pumping into your ears during your workout.

While these are common causes of hearing loss, did you know that many drugs also have links to hearing loss? 500,000 Americans risk drug-related hearing loss every year from prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

What Drugs Affect Hearing? 

So the question is, what drugs can cause hearing loss? Several drugs have strong links to hearing loss and these include anti-inflammatory drugs as well as antibiotics such as kanamycin and neomycin tobramycin which have been reported to cause permanent hearing loss. Anticonvulsants like valproic acid have been linked to tinnitus, that annoying ringing or buzzing sound in your ears. Even drugs used to treat high blood pressure or cancer have been shown to increase your chances of developing hearing loss.

Perhaps the most frightening drugs that cause hearing loss are common pain killers. Aspirin has links to hearing impairment when taken in large doses. Ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), probably the most common over the counter painkiller, is also tied to hearing loss. Acetaminophen (like Tylenol) can also lead to permanent hearing damage. What makes this so concerning is that fact that painkillers are readily available to anyone, and don’t require doctor’s supervision. Without a doctor monitoring painkiller use or providing warnings about possible side effects like hearing loss, you could be damaging your hearing without even knowing it.

Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen as little as two or three times a week is enough to lead to higher rates of hearing loss, according to a number of studies. Taking these medications a couple times a week for a year or more is linked to a must greater risk of hearing loss.

Are These Drugs Really Causing Hearing Loss?

We can’t say for certain that these medications cause hearing loss. Your work environment, lifestyle, city living, overall exposure to loud sounds, regular earbud use, and even normal aging all affect your hearing health. What we do know is that many studies show definite links between certain medications and hearing loss, enough that doctors and physicians around the world are starting to take notice.

Taking certain medications in high doses for long periods of time will do more than just treat the symptoms they’re prescribed for, but can greatly increase your risk of developing hearing loss. These medications can restrict the blood flow to your ears and permanently damaging the fragile hair cells of the inner ear, or can target the neural pathway that sends signals from your ear to your brain, meaning you won’t be able to hear all the sounds around you, even if your ear is still functioning normally. Taking medications linked with hearing loss doesn’t mean you’ll have hearing loss overnight. However, you are increasing your chances of hearing loss with every pill you take.

How to Prevent Hearing Loss

You’ve read about common ways of protecting your hearing, like wearing hearing protection in excessive noise and restricting how much time you spend listening with earbuds in your ears. Now it’s time to think about what’s in your medicine cabinet.

 If you think you’re experiencing hearing loss, talk with your doctor immediately and book a hearing test. Changing drugs or reducing the dosage can prevent further hearing loss. Never assume that over-the-counter drugs aren’t potentially damaging just because you can buy them so easily, or that they’re safe to take every day. Only take medications on your doctor’s recommendation, and if you start taking a new medication always ask for more information about potential side effects to make sure you’re not jeopardizing your hearing.

Millions of Americans are struggling with hearing loss, so keep yourself informed, and always protect your hearing. If you think your hearing has been affected, call us today to schedule a hearing test, learn more about the risk factors affecting your hearing, and talk about treatment options.

For more information and to schedule a hearing test, contact us at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services.