It’s normal to want to learn about the side effects of a medication when you begin using it. Can it cause digestive problems? Will it cause your mouth to dry out? Make you sleepy? There might also be a more severe possible side effect that you may not think of – hearing loss. Ototoxicity is the medical name professionals have given this condition and there are many drugs that are known to cause it.
Specifically how many medications are there that can result in this problem? The answer is not clear, 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 is it possible for your hearing to be affected by medication? Your hearing can be harmed by medication in three distinct 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 get dizzy or feel like the room is spinning.
- The stria vascularis: The stria vascularis is the part of the cochlea that generates fluid called endolymph. Both balance and hearing are affected by too much or too little endolymph.
- The cochlea: The cochlea is part of the inner ear, shaped like a seashell, that transforms sound waves into electrical signals which your brain translates into the perception of sound. When the cochlea is compromised, you will start to lose some frequencies of sound, particularly in the high-frequency range.
What is the threat level for each drug?
You might be surprised by the list of medications that can cause an ototoxic reaction. Many of them you most likely have in your medicine cabinet even now, and it’s likely that you take them before you go to bed or when you have a headache.
Over-the-counter pain medication like the following top the list:
- Naproxen
- Ibuprofen
Aspirin, also known as salicylates, is on this list as well. When you quit taking these drugs, your hearing will typically go back to normal.
Next on the list of common ototoxic medications would be certain antibiotics. You might have heard of some of these:
- Tobramycin
- Streptomycin
- Kanamycin
There are also several other compounds that can induce tinnitus
Hearing loss can be the outcome of some drugs and others may cause tinnitus. Here are some ways tinnitus may present:
- Popping
- Thumping
- Ringing
- A whooshing sound
Some diuretics can also cause tinnitus, including brand names Lasix, Bumex, and Diamox but the leading offenders in this category are things like:
- Nicotine
- Tonic water
- Marijuana
- Caffeine
Every time you drink your coffee or black tea in the morning, you are exposing your body to something that may make your ears ring. Luckily, once the diuretic has cleared your system, the ringing should recede. Ironically, some drugs doctors prescribe to treat tinnitus are also on the list of potential causes such as:
- Prednisone
- Amitriptyline
- Lidocaine
Usually, the tinnitus will clear when you quit using the medication but always consult your doctor, they will know what’s best for you.
There are very distinct symptoms with an ototoxic response
Depending on what specific medications you’re taking and the health of your hearing, your particular symptoms will vary.
Be on guard for:
- Blurred vision
- Tinnitus
- Poor balance
- Hearing loss on one or both sides
- Difficulty walking
- Vomiting
Keep yourself informed by always asking your doctor about the potential side effects of a medication, don’t hesitate to ask about ototoxicity. Get in touch with your doctor right away if you experience any tinnitus symptoms that may have been caused by an ototoxic reaction.
Also, schedule a hearing examination with us, a baseline hearing test is a proactive measure that can help you maintain good hearing health throughout your life.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7985331