When you start on a course of medication, it’s normal to want to be educated about any potential side effects. Can it cause digestive problems? Will it cause dehydration? Make you drowsy? There might also be a more serious potential side effect that you might not think of – hearing loss. Lots of different drugs are known to cause this condition which medical professionals call ototoxicity.
So can this problem be caused by a lot of medications? The answer is uncertain, but there are lots that are recognized to cause ototoxic symptoms. So, which ones do you need to pay attention to and why?
Ototoxicity – what you should know
How is it possible for your hearing to be impacted by medication? Your hearing can be damaged by medication in three different places:
- The vestibule of the ear: The cochlea is like a labyrinth, and situated right in the center is the vestibule of the ear. It helps manage balance. Vestibulotoxicity drugs can cause you to become dizzy or feel like the room is spinning.
- The cochlea: The cochlea is part of the inner ear, shaped like a seashell, that converts 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, usually beginning with high frequencies then extending to include lower ones.
- The stria vascularis: Located in the cochlea, the stria vascularis generates endolymph, the fluid in the inner ear. Too much or too little endolymph has a significant impact on both hearing and balance.
What is the threat level for each drug?
The checklist of medications which can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss might surprise you. Ototoxic medications are rather common and most individuals have a few of them in their medicine cabinets right now.
At the top of the list of ototoxic medications are over-the-counter pain relievers such as:
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
Aspirin, also known as salicylates, is on this list as well. When you quit using these drugs, your hearing will usually go back to normal.
Next on the list of common ototoxic medications would be specific antibiotics. Some of these may be familiar:
- Kanamycin
- Streptomycin
- Tobramycin
Tinnitus can also be induced by several common compounds
Hearing loss can be the outcome of some medications and others might trigger tinnitus. Here are a few ways tinnitus may present:
- Thumping
- Ringing
- A whooshing sound
- Popping
Some diuretics can also lead to tinnitus, including brand names Lasix, Bumex, and Diamox but the primary offenders in this category are things like:
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Marijuana
- Tonic water
You might not realize that the cup of coffee or black tea in the morning can cause ringing in your ears. Luckily, once the diuretic has cleared your system, the ringing should go away. The following medications are prescribed to manage tinnitus but ironically, they are themselves diuretics:
- Lidocaine
- Amitriptyline
- Prednisone
Typically, the tinnitus will end when you quit taking the medication but always consult your doctor, they will know what’s best for you.
Ototoxicity has specific symptoms
The signs or symptoms of tinnitus differ depending on your hearing health and which medication you get.
Be on guard for:
- Tinnitus
- Difficulty walking
- Blurred vision
- Hearing loss on one or both sides
- Poor balance
- Vomiting
Be certain that you ask your doctor about any side effects the medication they prescribed may have, including ototoxicity. If you experience ototoxicity we suggest that you contact your doctor to report your symptoms, they will know what’s best.
Also, call us today to schedule a hearing exam to establish a baseline of your hearing health.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7985331
