Over 3 out of every 4 persons over the age of 65 will experience some hearing or balance problems due to aging. Other factors that can contribute include noise exposure, medical conditions such as bacterial infections, viruses, tumors or other diseases of the ear and balance system.
Some medications you take to treat pain, heart problems, cancer and infections have also been linked to hearing loss, tinnitus, (ringing in the ear) and balance problems. Some of these medications are considered “ototoxic” meaning that they are toxic to the ear and balance system and can cause permanent damage.
Here are some common medications linked to hearing loss, tinnitus and balance issues and what you need to know about their potential side effects.
- Over the counter pain relievers
The most common pain killers are available over the counter such as aspirin, acetaminophen, (Tylenol) and non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil and Motrin are available without a prescription and if taken in excess, more than twice a week, can cause tinnitus or an increase in tinnitus if you already have it. Low dose baby aspirin, (100 mg or less) commonly prescribed to prevent cardiovascular disease has not been found linked to hearing related side effects.
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics
While this class of medication is good at treating life threatening, serious infections, it also carries significant side effects such as hearing loss. Before you begin medication therapy, your doctor should order a baseline hearing test so your hearing may be monitored for any change.
- Loop Diuretics
Loop diuretics are medications that help treat high blood pressure/hypertension. Edema, often due to congestive heart failure or chronic kidney disease. Diuretics also help reduce fluid buildup and are commonly called water pills. Using the lowest possible dose that will effectively treat the condition helps prevent ototoxicity.
- Chemotherapy drugs
Chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin are used to treat many of cancers. However, they can cause permanent hearing loss, tinnitus and balance issues. Again, if the dosage can be controlled it will mitigate the risk.
- Other common drugs
Hormone replacement therapy, ED drugs, antidepressants, including Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Viibryd, Luvox and Zelmid mostly cause tinnitus Quinine used to treat malaria. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine used to treat autoimmune disease have been shown to cause temporary hearing loss.
There are over 600 medications that can affect the hearing and balance system. Mostly causing tinnitus primarily caused by hearing loss, noise exposure or medications for which there is no cure because it is a symptom and not a disease in and of itself. Just because a medication has been linked to hearing problems doesn’t mean you need to worry. Many medications that are lifesaving carry significant risks. The severity and extent of the damage includes many factors such as the dosage, how long or often you have been taking the medication, kidney function and even genetic susceptibility.
Do not stop taking any medications listed above without contacting your healthcare provider or pharmacist if a medication could affect your hearing.