It’s normal to want to learn about the side effects of a medication when you start using it. Can it upset your stomach? Will it cause dehydration? Make you sleepy? You may not even know about some of the more impactful side effects, including hearing loss. Lots of different drugs are known to cause this condition which medical professionals call ototoxicity.
Specifically how many drugs are there that can cause this issue? The answer is unclear, but there are lots that are known to cause ototoxic symptoms. So, which ones do you need to pay attention to and why?
What to know about ototoxicity
How is it possible for your hearing to be affected by medication? Your hearing can be damaged by medication in three distinct places:
- The stria vascularis: The stria vascularis is the portion of the cochlea that produces fluid known as endolymph. Too much or too little endolymph has a substantial impact on both balance and hearing.
- The vestibule of the ear: The cochlea is like a labyrinth, and situated right in the center is the vestibule of the ear. Its principal function is to manage balance. When a medication causes an ototoxic response to the vestibule of the inner ear, you can experience balance issues and the feeling that the room is spinning.
- The cochlea: The cochlea is part of the inner ear, shaped like a seashell, that transforms sound waves into electrical signals which your brain translates into the perception of sound. Damage to the cochlea affects the range of sound you can hear, typically starting with high frequencies then expanding to include lower ones.
Do different drugs have different threat levels?
You may be surprised by the list of medications that can result in an ototoxic response. Ototoxic medications are rather common and the majority of individuals have a few of them in their medicine cabinets right now.
Over-the-counter pain medication like the following top the list:
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
Aspirin, also known as salicylates, is on this list too. The hearing issues caused by these drugs are normally reversible when you quit taking them.
Antibiotics come in as a close second for well-known ototoxic medications. Some of these might be familiar:
- Streptomycin
- Tobramycin
- Kanamycin
There are also a number of other compounds that can induce tinnitus
Some drugs might cause tinnitus and others could lead to loss of hearing. Here are a few ways tinnitus may present:
- Ringing
- A whooshing sound
- Popping
- Thumping
Some diuretics can also result in tinnitus, including brand names Lasix, Bumex, and Diamox but the primary offenders in this category are things like:
- Marijuana
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Tonic water
You may not be aware that the cup of coffee or black tea in the morning can cause ringing in your ears. Here’s the good news, it should clear up after the chemical is out of your system. The following drugs are prescribed to manage tinnitus but ironically, they are themselves diuretics:
- Prednisone
- Lidocaine
- Amitriptyline
Normally, the tinnitus will end when you quit taking the medication but always talk to your doctor, they will know what’s best for you.
There are very specific symptoms with an ototoxic response
Depending on what specific medications you’re taking and your hearing health, your particular symptoms will vary.
Be on guard for:
- Hearing loss on one or both sides
- Tinnitus
- Vomiting
- Poor balance
- Difficulty walking
- Blurred vision
Be certain that you consult your doctor about any side effects the medication they prescribed may have, including ototoxicity. If you experience ototoxicity we recommend that you contact your doctor to talk about your symptoms, they will know the best course of action.
Also, schedule a hearing exam with us, a baseline hearing test is a practical measure that can help you preserve good hearing health throughout your life.
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References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7985331