6 Medications That Can Cause Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

Hearing loss is something that is very hard to deal with; whether it’s yourself, or a relative, the whole family suffers. The person in the room who can’t hear well feels isolated and lonely at times.

Deficits in hearing occur for a variety of reasons, usually age-related. Age-related is a slow, gradual type of hearing loss. It usually affects both ears. The medical term for that is “presbycusis.” It’s what most people think of.

As a pharmacist, I can assure you there is not much help in the way of medications. There isn’t anything that works. On the other hand, some of the drugs dispensed from the pharmacy can actually cause hearing loss and/or tinnitus (that high-pitched sound that millions of people hear). What if I told you that 6 popular categories of medication can also cause issues with your ability to hear clearly.

I don’t want to scare anyone because medication-induced hearing loss is generally considered a rare side effect, but it does sometimes happen. Some drugs have a known risk of causing hearing impairment. Here they are:

• Loop diuretics: Loop diuretics, including furosemide (Lasix) and ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), are commonly prescribed for conditions like edema and hypertension. In some cases, high doses of these medications have been associated with hearing loss and/or tinnitus.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Although less common, some NSAIDs, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin, have been reported to have potential hearing-related side effects like hearing loss and/or tinnitus. This is particularly more evident when taken in high doses or for an extended period.

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics: Certain antibiotics from the aminoglycoside class, such as gentamicin (Garamycin), tobramycin (Nebcin), and streptomycin, have been linked to hearing impairment and tinnitus. Prolonged use or high doses increase your risk.

• Chemotherapy drugs: Certain chemotherapy agents used in cancer treatment have been associated with potential hearing loss and tinnitus. Examples include cisplatin, carboplatin (Paraplatin), and vincristine (Oncovin).

• Quinine: Quinine is a medication primarily used to treat malaria and muscle cramps. It has been associated with hearing loss, especially when used in high doses or for prolonged periods. Qualaquin and Quinine Sulfate, as well as hydroxychloroquinine (a relative) have been associated with hearing problems.

• Salicylates: High doses of salicylates, such as aspirin, have been linked to temporary hearing loss and/or tinnitus.

Salicylates are a group of chemicals found naturally in various plants and can also be synthesized for use in medications. You eat them every day. Natural sources of salicylates include fruits, such as strawberries and oranges, and vegetables like spinach and tomatoes.

Salicylates have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties! This makes them useful for treating pain, fever, and inflammation. However, high doses or prolonged use of salicylates can potentially cause side effects, including gastrointestinal irritation, allergic reactions, and in rare cases, hearing loss or tinnitus.

Salicylates have various applications beyond medicine, such as food preservation and flavoring, as well as skincare products. Wintergreen oil is a natural source of methyl salicylate, and you might have that in your breath-freshening mouthwash or gum! It makes the minty flavor. It’s also often used in topical pain relief products.

Beyond Hearing Aids: Potential Treatments for Hearing Impairment

Cochlear Implants: Cochlear implants are electronic devices that provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. These implants bypass the damaged parts of the inner ear and stimulate the auditory nerve directly. Ongoing research aims to improve the technology, expand candidacy criteria, and enhance speech understanding and music appreciation for cochlear implant users.

Gene Therapy: Gene therapy holds promise for certain types of genetic hearing loss but it really depends on several variables. Researchers are exploring the use of viral vectors to deliver functional genes to the inner ear cells, aiming to restore or improve hearing in individuals with specific genetic mutations associated with hearing loss.

Stem Cell Research: Stem cell therapy has the potential to regenerate damaged sensory cells in the inner ear. Scientists are studying the use of stem cells to replace or repair damaged hair cells or auditory neurons, which could, theoretically restore hearing function. While still in the experimental stage, this research offers some hope.

Auditory Brainstem Implants (ABIs): ABIs are designed for individuals who cannot benefit from cochlear implants due to abnormalities in the auditory nerve. These devices bypass the cochlea and directly stimulate the brainstem to help restore auditory perception, or at least try to restore some of it.

Pharmacological Treatments: Researchers are investigating various medications and compounds that could potentially protect or restore hearing function. These include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and drugs targeting specific molecular pathways involved in hearing loss. The goal is to develop pharmaceutical interventions to prevent or treat certain types of hearing loss. We know zinc deficiency is tied to hearing impairments.

It’s important to note that advancements in the field of hearing loss continue to evolve rapidly and also I am a pharmacist so this is NOT my specialty. This is why I urge you to see a doctor that is an ENT and that way you will have access to all the new research studies, clinical trials, and innovative technologies may have emerged since this blog. Now I will provide some helpful Internet sites.

Resources and Websites

• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD): The NIDCD offers comprehensive information on research updates, treatment options, and potential communication strategies.

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): ASHA is a professional organization that provides resources for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and individuals with communication disorders. Their website features information on hearing impairment, hearing aids, communication strategies, and finding a certified audiologist.

• Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA): HLAA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals with impairments. They can provide info on assistive listening devices, communication strategies, and resources for finding support groups.