When you begin on a course of medication, it’s natural to want to be informed about any possible side effects. Can it give you a stomach ache? Will it cause your mouth to dry out? Cause insomnia? You may not even be aware of some of the more impactful side effects, including hearing loss. Ototoxicity is the medical term professionals have given this condition and there are lots of drugs that are known to cause it.
So can this issue be caused by a lot of medications? The answer is uncertain, but there are plenty that are known to trigger ototoxic symptoms. So, which ones do you need to watch out for and why?
What to know about ototoxicity
How can a medication cause problems with your hearing after you swallow it? Your hearing can be harmed by medication in three distinct places:
- 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 impacts the range of sound you can hear, usually beginning with high frequencies then extending to include lower ones.
- The vestibule of the ear: This is the portion of the ear situated in the middle of the labyrinth that composes the cochlea. It helps regulate balance. Vestibulotoxicity drugs can cause you to get dizzy or feel like the room is spinning.
- The stria vascularis: Found in the cochlea, the stria vascularis makes endolymph, the fluid in the inner ear. Too much or too little endolymph has a significant impact on both balance and hearing.
Do different drugs have different risk levels?
You may be surprised by the list of medications that can result in an ototoxic response. Several of them you most likely have in your medicine cabinet even now, and chances are you take them before you go to bed or when you have a headache.
Topping the list of ototoxic medications are over-the-counter pain killers such as:
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
You can add salicylates to the list, which is aspirin. When you quit taking these medications, your hearing will usually go back to normal.
Antibiotics are a close second for prevalent ototoxic medications. You may have heard of some of these:
- Tobramycin
- Streptomycin
- Kanamycin
Tinnitus can also be induced by several common compounds
Hearing loss can be the result of some medications and others might cause tinnitus. If you hear phantom noises, that might be tinnitus and it normally shows up as:
- Popping
- Ringing
- Thumping
- A whooshing sound
Certain diuretics will also cause tinnitus, here are a few of the primary offenders:
- Tonic water
- Nicotine
- Caffeine
- Marijuana
You may not be aware that the cup of coffee or black tea in the morning can cause ringing in your ears. The good news is it should clear up once the drug is out of your system. The following medications are prescribed to manage tinnitus but ironically, they are themselves diuretics:
- Amitriptyline
- Prednisone
- Lidocaine
Typically, the tinnitus will clear when you quit taking the medication but always seek advice from your doctor, they will know what’s best for you.
There are very distinct symptoms with an ototoxic reaction
The signs or symptoms of tinnitus vary depending on your ear health and which medication you get.
Be on guard for:
- Hearing loss on one or both sides
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty walking
- Vomiting
- Poor balance
- Tinnitus
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 report your symptoms, they will know what’s best.
Also, schedule a hearing test with us, a baseline hearing test is a practical step that can help you maintain good hearing health throughout your life.
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References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7985331