We take medications to cure and/or treat illness, but the contents of many drugs are able to cause additional medical issues at a high dosage or a moderate dosage taken over an extended period of time. Some medications, for example, have the potential to cause hearing loss. Here are five medical drugs that can compromise your hearing health. You may be using one of them!
1. Large Doses of Aspirin
Many scientific studies have documented the negative impacts that Aspirin, as well as other drugs that contain a salt called salicylate have on hearing health. Hearing sensitivity, tinnitus and sensory hearing loss have all been linked to Aspirin. Luckily, the hearing impairment linked to high doses of aspirin are usually temporary.
2. Ibuprofen
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen which can be found in Advil, can cause hearing loss if used over a long period of time.
3. Tylenol
Tylenol and other drugs that contain acetaminophen have also been linked to hearing loss. A study from Harvard University of over 27,000 people found that taking some form of acetaminophen at least twice a week doubled the likelihood of hearing loss.
4. Loop Diuretics
Loop diuretics are drugs mainly used to treat heart failure and can cause both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Loss of hair cells in the ear and middle-frequency hearing loss have both been reported after taking loop diuretics. Those with renal failure or cirrhosis are at a greater risk of losing their hearing after taking loop diuretics. Infants are also at a higher risk.
5. Cancer Drugs
Cancer drugs are known to be very powerful with many harmful side effects that impact ones entire body, including one’s hearing. The chemotherapy medication cisplatin as well as radiation treatment can cause damage to the inner ear, sometimes years after treatment!
If you are taking over the counter drugs, be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label. If taking a prescription drug, take the dosage recommended by your physician. You can always consult your physician before taking any medication to avoid putting your hearing at risk.
