It’s natural to want to know about the side effects of a medication when you start taking it. Can it upset your stomach? Will it give you dry mouth? Cause sleeplessness? There could also be a more severe potential side effect that you might not think of – hearing loss. Ototoxicity is the medical term professionals give this condition and there are many drugs that are known to cause it.
Exactly how many drugs that can lead to this problem? The answer is unclear, but there are plenty that are known to cause ototoxic symptoms. So, which ones should you watch out for and why?
What to know about about ototoxicity
How can a pill reap havoc on your ears after you swallow it? There are three different places certain drugs can damage your hearing:
- The cochlea: That’s the seashell-shaped component of the inner ear that takes sound and translates it into an electrical signal the brain can comprehend. Damage to the cochlea affects the range of sound you can hear, typically beginning with high frequencies then expanding 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.
- The vestibule of the ear: This is the part of the ear that sits in the middle of the labyrinth that makes up the cochlea. It helps manage balance. Vestibulotoxicity drugs can cause you to get dizzy or feel like the room is spinning.
What is the risk level for each drug?
The checklist of drugs which can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss might surprise you. Many of them you probably 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 for ototoxic medications are over-the-counter pain relievers such as:
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
You can add salicylates to the list, better know as aspirin. The hearing problems caused by these drugs are normally correctable when you quit taking them.
Antibiotics come in as a close second for well known ototoxic drugs. You might have heard of some of these:
- Tobramycin
- Streptomycin
- Kanamycin
Tinnitus can also be triggered by several common compounds
Some drugs may cause tinnitus and others could lead to loss of hearing. If you hear phantom noises, that might be tinnitus and it normally shows up as:
- Ringing
- Thumping
- Popping
- A whooshing sound
Some diuretics can also lead to tinnitus, including brand names Lasix, Bumex, and Diamox but the leading offenders in this category are things like:
- Tonic water
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Marijuana
Each and every time you drink your coffee or black tea in the morning, you are subjecting your body to something that could make your ears ring. The good news is it should clear up once the drug is out of your system. Ironically, some drugs doctors prescribe to treat tinnitus are also on the list of possible causes such as:
- Prednisone
- Amitriptyline
- Lidocaine
Usually, the tinnitus will end when you stop 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 vary based on your ear health and which medication you get.
Be on guard for:
- Poor balance
- Difficulty walking
- Tinnitus
- Vomiting
- Hearing loss on one or both sides
- Blurred vision
Contact your physician if you observe any of these symptoms after taking medication even over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements.
If you’re experiencing ototoxicity does that mean you should avoid taking your medication? You should immediately contact your doctor and report your symptoms, they will know what to recommend. And, keep yourself informed by always asking your doctor about the potential side effects of a medication, don’t hesitate to ask about ototoxicity. Also, schedule a hearing exam with a hearing care professional, a baseline hearing test is a proactive measure that can help you maintain good hearing health throughout your life.