Some Prescription Drug Therapies Can Cause Temporary and Permanent Hearing Loss
Prescription drug therapies that cause damage to the ear, resulting in both temporary and permanent hearing loss, are known as ototoxic medications. The severity of hearing loss, and the possibility to recover to normal hearing levels, depends on the type of medication and the length of time the medication is prescribed.
There are over the counter and mild prescription medications which can cause hearing loss when consumed in large doses. Aspirin and aspirin containing medications can cause hearing loss when taken at a rate of more than six tablets or pills per day.
Anti-inflammatory medications, such as arthritis prescriptions, can also cause hearing loss when taken in quantities exceeding six pills per day. The difference between these two types of medications is the degree of recovery after they are stopped. The effects of aspirin based medications are completely reversible, while the anti-inflammatory medications’ effects are usually reversible, but can become permanent.
There are several types of antibiotics which can cause hearing loss when given intravenously, usually in life-threatening situations. These same antibiotics, when administered with a normal prescription have no known effect on normal hearing. Often, in emergency situations, ototoxic antibiotics are given in combination with each other. This increases the chances of producing some degree of hearing loss in a hospital patient.
Strong diuretics, given intravenously and in life-threatening situations, can also cause some degree of hearing loss in patients with kidney failure or severe hypertension.
Because of the strength and delivery method, intravenously, some medications given during chemotherapy can be ototoxic. Normally, these medications are monitored by the doctor administering the therapy to reduce the risk of damaging the patient’s hearing. The hearing damaging effects of chemotherapy medications are increased in patients who are on more than one medication which can be considered ototoxic.
Anyone being treated with life saving antibiotics, strong diuretics or chemotherapy medications should consult with their physician to monitor any effects on their hearing. Patients who have had some degree of hearing loss due to medications should also consider consulting with their doctor to find out if hearing aids can assist with their level of hearing ability.
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