It’s normal to want to know about the side effects of a medication when you start taking it. Can it upset your stomach? Will it cause your mouth to dry out? Cause insomnia? You may not even be aware of some of the more impactful side effects, like hearing loss. Ototoxicity is the medical name professionals have given this condition and there are lots of drugs that are known to cause it.
Specifically how many medications are there that can cause this issue? Well, there are a number of medications known to trigger an ototoxic reaction, but exactly how many is still rather uncertain. So which drugs do you personally need to be aware of?
What to know about ototoxicity
How can a medication cause problems with your ears after you swallow it? Your hearing can be damaged by medication in three distinct places:
- The stria vascularis: The stria vascularis is the portion of the cochlea that produces fluid known as endolymph. 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 composes the cochlea. It helps regulate balance. Vestibulotoxicity drugs can cause you to get dizzy or feel as if the room is spinning.
- 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. Damage to the cochlea impacts the range of sound you can hear, usually starting with high frequencies then extending to include lower ones.
What is the risk level for each drug?
The checklist of medications that can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss might surprise you. Ototoxic medications are fairly common and most individuals have a few of them in their medicine cabinets right now.
Over-the-counter pain medication like the following top the list:
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
Aspirin, also called salicylates, is on this list as well. The hearing problems caused by these drugs are generally correctable when you stop using them.
Antibiotics come in as a close second for common ototoxic medications. You might have heard of some of these:
- Tobramycin
- Kanamycin
- Streptomycin
Tinnitus can also be induced by a number of common compounds
Hearing loss can be the result of some medications and others might cause tinnitus. Here are some ways tinnitus might present:
- Popping
- A whooshing sound
- Thumping
- Ringing
Some diuretics can also cause tinnitus, including brand names Lasix, Bumex, and Diamox but the primary offenders in this category are things like:
- Tonic water
- Nicotine
- Marijuana
- Caffeine
You may not be aware that the cup of coffee or black tea in the morning can trigger ringing in your ears. Fortunately, once the diuretic has cleared your system, the ringing should go away. Ironically, some drugs doctors prescribe to manage tinnitus are also on the list of possible causes such as:
- Amitriptyline
- Lidocaine
- Prednisone
Typically, the tinnitus will end when you quit taking the medication but always seek advice from your doctor, they will know what’s best for you.
There are very specific symptoms with an ototoxic response
Depending on what specific medications you’re taking and the health of your hearing, your particular symptoms will differ.
Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Tinnitus
- Poor balance
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Hearing loss on one or both sides
- Difficulty walking
Make sure you consult your doctor about any side effects the medication they prescribed might have, including ototoxicity. Get in touch with your doctor right away if you experience any tinnitus symptoms that may have been caused by an ototoxic response.
Also, give us a call today to schedule a hearing exam to establish a baseline of your hearing health.
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References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7985331