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When we think about its consequences medicinesWe can think of nausea, fatigue or dizziness. But there’s another, lesser-known risk that can have lasting – and sometimes permanent – consequences: deafnessA wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications are considered ototoxic, meaning they can damage the inner ear and affect hearing or balance.
Ototoxicity refers to drug- or chemical-related damage to the cochlea, which affects hearing and the vestibular system, which controls balance. Symptoms may include tinnitus (ringing in the ears). deafness (often triggered by high-frequency sounds), dizziness or balance problems, or a sensation of fullness in the ears.
These effects may be temporary or permanent, depending on the drug involved, the dose and duration, and the sensitivity of the individual.
The inner ear is highly sensitive, and most experts believe that ototoxic drugs cause harm by damaging tiny hair cells in the cochlea or disrupting the fluid balance in the inner ear. Once these hair cells are damaged, they do not regenerate – causing hearing loss to become irreversible in many cases.
around 200 medicines Known to have ototoxic effects.
Here are some of the most commonly used medications:
1. Antibiotics
aminoglycoside antibiotics Drugs such as gentamicin, tobromycin, and streptomycin are commonly prescribed for serious infections such as sepsis, meningitis, or tuberculosis – conditions where prompt, aggressive treatment can be lifesaving. In these cases, the benefits often outweigh the potential risks of hearing loss.
These drugs, which are usually given intravenously, are among the most well-documented ototoxic drugs. They can cause irreversible hearing loss, especially when used in high doses or over extended periods. Some people may also be genetically more sensitive to these effects.
These medications remain in the inner ear for weeks or months, meaning damage may continue even after treatment ends.
Other antibiotics To be aware of, these include macrolides (such as erythromycin and azithromycin) and vancomycin, which have also been linked to hearing problems, especially in older adults or people with kidney problems.
2. Heart medicines
Loop diuretics such as furosemide and bumetanide are commonly used to manage heart failure or high blood pressure. blood pressureWhen given in high doses or intravenously, they can cause temporary hearing loss by disrupting the fluid and electrolyte balance in the inner ear. About 3 percent of users may experience ototoxicity.
Some? blood pressure Medications have also been linked to tinnitus.
These include ACE inhibitors – drugs like ramipril that help relax blood vessels by blocking a hormone called angiotensin, making it easier for the heart to pump blood – and calcium-channel blockers like amlodipine, which lower blood pressure by preventing calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls. Although these relationships have been observed, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of their impact on hearing ability.
3. Chemotherapy
Fixed Chemotherapy Medicines, especially those containing platinum – such as cisplatin and carboplatin – are considered highly ototoxic. Cisplatin, which is often used to treat testicular, ovarian, breast, head and neck cancers, carries a significant risk of permanent hearing loss. This risk increases when radiation is directed too close to the head or neck.
Up to 60 percent of patients treated with cisplatin experience some degree of hearing loss. Researchers are looking for ways to reduce the risk by adjusting the dosage or frequency without compromising the drug’s effectiveness.
4. Pain reliever
high doses of common painkillers, including aspirinNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, commonly used to relieve pain, swelling, and fever—and even hangover cureHas been linked to tinnitus and hearing loss.
About the author
Deepa Kamdar is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at Kingston University.
This article is republished from Conversation Under Creative Commons license. read the original article,
A large study found that women under 60 who regularly took moderate doses aspirin (325 mg or more, six to seven times per week) had a 16 percent higher risk of developing tinnitus. This link was not seen with low-dose aspirin (100 mg or less). Also frequent use of NSAIDs hangover cure It was also associated with about a 20 percent increased risk of tinnitus, especially among women who frequently used these medications.
Another study links their long-term use pain reliever The risk of hearing loss is higher, especially in men under the age of 60. In most cases, tinnitus and hearing changes resolve after the drug is discontinued – but these side effects usually occur after long-term, high-dose use.
5. Anti-malaria medicines
Drugs like chloroquine and quinine – which are used to treat malaria and leg cramps – can cause reversible hearing loss and tinnitus. One study found that 25–33 percent of people with hearing loss had previously taken one of these medications.
hydroxychloroquineUsed to treat lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, it has a similar chemical structure and similar risks. While some people recover after stopping the medication, others may experience permanent damage, especially after long-term or high-dose use.
People with pre-existing hearing loss, kidney disease or genetic susceptibility face greater risk – as do people taking multiple ototoxic medications at the same time. Children and older adults may also be more vulnerable.
If you have been prescribed one of these medications for a serious condition such as cancer, sepsis, or tuberculosis, the benefits usually outweigh the risks. But it’s still wise to stay informed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your medicine poses a risk to hearing or balance. If you experience ringing in the ears, dizziness or difficulty hearing, report it immediately.