Medication and Hearing Loss, Part 2

Higher than recommended doses of NSAIDS, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, have long been known to cause hearing loss. This fact has been known for many years by physicians and hearing professionals. What is extraordinarily concerning is how many doctors, and television ads for that matter, recommend a daily aspirin regimen to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. While there are dozens of causes of hearing loss, there is little known about how over-the-counter medications can specifically affect hearing loss risk in adults and children. The affect of medications on hearing loss appears to be cumulative; the risk of hearing loss significantly increasing over lifetime use of over-the-counter pain medications.

Anyone who has spent their lives protecting their hearing from excessive noise and noise injuries should be aware their every day medications might be thwarting their efforts against hearing loss. Patients who are on a regular aspirin regimen to prevent heart attack should speak with their physician regarding taking the lowest possible dose of aspirin as needed to protect their heart. They should also speak with a licensed hearing professional regarding possible hearing loss caused by medication. A good recommendation for painkillers is to only use them when absolutely necessary. Homeopathic medications and alternative relief remedies can relieve pain without requiring the use of aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If you suspect your medication use is causing hearing loss, speaking with a hearing health care professional may educate you on possible treatments or remedies.

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