Pain Management Medications Toxic To Your Ears?

By Hearing Professionals

Hearing Professionals Inc.

. http://www.hearing-professionals.com/

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Pain Management Medications Toxic To Your Ears?

You're in pain, so you reach for your prescription or a common over-the-counter medicine. You're ache or pain may be relieved, but what effects could your remedy have had on your body's systems?

Studies have shown that the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Motrin or Aspirin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) and prescription painkillers increase one's risk of hearing loss, can cause permanent damage to the hearing organs and could make one dizzy and/or fall by disrupting the balance system.

When a medicine is toxic to the hearing and balance organs, it is classified as an ototoxic medication. Ototoxicity results in hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or balance disorders. There are more than 200 known ototoxic medications on the market today, both prescription and over-the-counter.

The connection between the use of these common over-the-counter painkillers and fever-reducers and hearing loss isn't quite clear.

Studies suggest that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce blood flow to the cochlea (the hearing organ in the inner ear) and acetaminophen may deplete factors that protect the cochlea from damage.

A study published in 2012 found that women who took ibuprofen or acetaminophen two or more days a week had an increased risk of hearing loss. The link between the use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen and hearing loss tended to be greater in women under 50 years old, according to the study.

There was no association between aspirin use and hearing loss at least that the study of women found. A study published in 2010, found that men who regularly used aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen also were at an increased risk of hearing loss.

When it comes to using heavy-hitting painkillers such as Oxycodone, Percocet or Vicodin, especially when taken beyond what is typically prescribed, there too is an increased risk of hearing loss.

For some, the hearing loss may resolve itself if the dosage is immediately stopped, but typically, the damage is permanent. These prescribed pain medicines also are known to increase one's risk of falls and disrupt the balance system.

If your doctor has prescribed or recommended pain management therapy that includes any of these medications for more than 90 days, you should schedule a baseline hearing evaluation to better monitor possible ototoxic effects. It's never too soon or too late for an evaluation of your hearing capabilities contact your local audiologist office for an appointment.

If you're taking any of these medications and experience onset or worsening hearing loss, tinnitus or vertigo, or fullness/pressure in your ears, inform your doctor as they may be signs of ototoxicity and your doctor may alter your medication regimen. Do not, under any circumstances, stop taking medication without speaking to your doctor.