5 Common Drugs That Might Cause Hearing Loss.

by Michelle Ng, Doctor of Audiology student, The University of the Pacific

Most people associate hearing loss with aging or noise exposure. However, there are some everyday medications that can also affect your inner ear organs, damaging the hearing and balance systems. These are called ototoxic medications. While many are safe and necessary when used correctly, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects.

Here are five common drugs that may impact hearing:

1. Aminoglycoside Antibiotics

Antibiotics, such as gentamicin, neomycin, and tobramycin are commonly used to treat serious bacterial infections.

2. Chemotherapy Drugs

Some cancer treatment drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin, are known to affect hearing, especially in the higher pitches.

3. Water Pills (Loop Diuretics)

Loop diuretics, such as furosemide and bumetanide, are commonly prescribed for heart, kidney, or blood pressure conditions.

4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Everyday pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, especially when used often or at higher doses.

5. Opioids

Virtually every opioid medication, including codeine, oxycodone, and tramadol, particularly when taken in high doses or over long periods of time. 

Signs/Symptoms

Some common signs/symptoms of ototoxicity are tinnitus (ringing/buzzing in the ears), hearing loss, and dizziness/balance concerns. People may be affected in different ways, with some people noticing multiple symptoms while others may only notice one. Symptoms can gradually or suddenly occur.

What Should You Do?

Don’t stop taking or adjust dosing of any medications without talking to your physician. Medications are prescribed when a healthcare provider determines the benefit of the medication outweighs its potential risks.

Make sure to tell your audiologist about all medications you take.

Schedule a hearing test as soon as possible with a licensed audiologist at the San Francisco Hearing Center at 415-346-6886 if you notice a change in hearing, tinnitus, or dizziness. Early testing and monitoring can help your health care providers with intervention and adjustments if needed. 

Sources:

Ding, D., Liu, H., Qi, W., Jiang, H., Li, Y., Wu, X., Sun, H., Gross, K., & Salvi, R. (2016). Ototoxic effects and mechanisms of loop diuretics. Journal of otology, 11(4), 145–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joto.2016.10.001

Hoshino, T., Tabuchi, K., & Hara, A. (2010). Effects of NSAIDs on the Inner Ear: Possible Involvement in Cochlear Protection. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 3(5), 1286–1295. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph3051286

Kessler, L., Koo, C., Richter, C. P., & Tan, X. (2024). Hearing loss during chemotherapy: prevalence, mechanisms, and protection. American journal of cancer research, 14(9), 4597–4632. https://doi.org/10.62347/OKGQ4382

Mozeika, A. M., Ruck, B. E., Nelson, L. S., & Calello, D. P. (2020). Opioid-Associated Hearing Loss: A 20-Year Review from the New Jersey Poison Center. Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology, 16(4), 416–422. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13181-020-00785-5

Selimoglu E. (2007). Aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity. Current pharmaceutical design, 13(1), 119–126. https://doi.org/10.2174/138161207779313731