Some Medications Can Harm Your Hearing

The aging process can be cruel sometimes, and although we mean to treat our bodies well with medication, sometimes they have side effects. 

Balancing these effects is crucial to your overall health. 

We are experienced in dealing with these situations as our expertise extends to all aspects of hearing. No matter the cause, we can assist with a solution, but it all starts with education. 

We are dedicated to informing residents of Los Angeles about all the dangers associated with hearing loss. While it is unfortunate that some medications meant to heal can have adverse effects, there are alternative solutions as well.   

First Signs of Hearing Loss

When taking medication that could harm your hearing, it’s imperative that you are familiar with how hearing loss can present itself. This will enable you to seek help at a moment's notice before any serious damage can occur. 

Here are some symptoms to look out for:

Raising the volume of electronics—If you have to turn up your TV or phone to hear better, then that is one of the most common signs of hearing loss. Take note of your volume levels before taking medication so you have a benchmark established.

Asking people to repeat themselves—If you find that you say “pardon me” more often, then that could mean that your hearing is in decline. This is most common at the dinner table, where you have a lot of past experience to compare. 

People ask you to quiet down—Conversely, if your family and friends are asking you to keep your voice down, then you may be overcompensating. Not being able to hear yourself is a sure sign of hearing loss.

Harmful Medications to be Aware of

Here are common medications that are known to reduce your capacity for hearing.

1) Antibiotics

Antibiotics are known to cause damage to the sensory cells within your inner ear. It’s these cells that detect sound and motion, so they are crucial to the success of your hearing.

2) Diuretics

Unfortunately, the aging process can have negative effects on our hearts and thus requires the use of loop diuretics. This medication can also affect the blood flow to our cochlea, which will diminish our ability to hear.

3) Analgesics and Antipyretics

These types of medications are quite common and used to relieve pain. Acetaminophen, which is the main ingredient in Tylenol, is the most widely used. This also affects blood flow to the cochlea.

4) Antimalarial Agents

If you travel, then you may receive treatment for foreign illnesses such as malaria. While this is important, it’s also a good idea not to overdo it so you can protect your hearing in the process.

5) Antineoplastic Agents

For those who are diagnosed with cancer, then there is a good chance you will need antineoplastic agents to heal. In this case, there is not much you can do since addressing the cancer is the number one priority.

6) Chemicals (mercury, lead, alcohol, etc.)

Not all medications come from a doctor. Many people are disappointed to hear that their weekend activities could be having a negative effect on their hearing. We advise everyone to indulge responsibly in every sense of the word.

What to do if Your Medication Causes Hearing Loss

If you suspect your medication is causing harm to your hearing, then the first step is to contact us. We can help devise a solution to protect your health and your hearing. 

Do not stop taking your medications. 

There are ways we can enhance your hearing, or we can recommend an alternative to your current medication. 

How Pacific Hearing & Balance Can Help

We are always standing by to assist in all aspects of your hearing. We have much experience in treating all types of hearing loss, no matter where the issue stems from.

We take the time to learn about your situation to reveal the true source of your hearing problems. We always start with a comprehensive hearing assessment and a detailed conversation. 

If you suspect your medications or those of a loved one are affecting your health or their hearing, then please contact us immediately. Problems like these do not go away on their own and will only worsen with time. 

You only have two ears, so let us help you protect them for a bright future of healthy hearing.