By David Bryce on 30th November 2015

Hearing loss can have many causes, noise, genetic predisposition, smoking and drugs among others. We don't mean the risky drugs bought on a street corner either, common (OTC) over the counter medications can cause hearing loss. It is a bit ironic that treating an underlying condition could actually cause hearing loss, but it can. Previous research has pointed to OTC medications as a possible cause for hearing loss and the latest study confirms these findings.

Ototoxic Medications

Side effects are listed on every medication package, in fact often it is frightening to read the possible side effects. Hearing loss however, is often not labeled as a side effect. Drugs that cause hearing loss are called ototoxic, we have known that the antibiotic Gentamicin is ototoxic for many years. Gentamicin can effect a person's hearing and balance if given for more than one week. There are a number of other common medications that are ototoxic though. However, it needs to be noted that poor nutrition, smoking, a high fat diet, obesity, and other factors contributing to general poor health can increase the risk of hearing loss in general—including drug- and noise-induced hearing loss.

The following are commonly used OTC and prescription drugs that could damage’ hearing:

Aspirin

Aspirin-induced temporary hearing loss is normally associated with large doses, or 8 to 12 pills per day. The effect is typically reversible once the patient reduces the frequency of their aspirin intake or stops taking the drug altogether.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen have been linked with hearing issues. Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital studied the relationship between hearing loss and NSAIDs, and found that “NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen can reduce blood flow to the cochlea (the inner ear), which could impair its function.

Antibiotics

Gentamicin is well known for it's effect on hearing, but Patients who take aminoglycosides, the most commonly used class of antibiotics worldwide, risk a 20% to 60% chance of losing their hearing permanently. There are steps afoot to design and produce a modified version of an aminoglycoside that works without the adverse side effects of deafness or kidney damage. Up to quite recently, eardrops with aminoglcosides were routinely prescribed to treat the bacteria that cause ear infections.

Chemotherapy Drugs

Certain chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin, carboplatin or bleomycin have been associated with hearing loss. Chemotherapy drugs are an instance where the benefit of the drug outweighs the risk of hearing loss. It is a similar situation with very strong antibiotics and condidtions like Meningitis. Saving the life of the Patient has to take precedence over anything else, however, all Patients should be informed of potential side effects of any prescribed medication.

Loop Diuretics

Loop diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix) and bumetanide can also cause some damage to the structure of the cochlea. The damage is caused by changes in the balance of fluids and salts of the inner ear, which can result in tissue swelling. This can cause issues with the transmission of nerve signals to the brain. Loop diuretic-induced hearing loss is normally temporary and will be reversed when the drug is no longer used. However it is believed that the effect is more likely to be permanent when the medication is used in combination with other ototoxic drugs.

Medications can be ototoxic, however, it doesn't mean you should stop taking them. It is just good to be aware of the issues in order that you can monitor your own hearing ability. If you have any questions about ototoxic drugs, hearing loss or hearing aids in Aberdeen or Inverness, why don't you give us a call on 01224 637255 to book your appointment at any of our hearing aid centres in Aberdeen or Inverness or our hearing aid clinics across the Highlands.