Common painkillers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and paracetamol have been associated with an increased risk of hearing loss and tinnitus, according to recent studies. The findings add to a growing list of ototoxic medications that can damage the inner ear, sometimes permanently.
Ototoxicity refers to drug-induced damage to the cochlea or vestibular system, leading to symptoms like ringing in the ears, hearing loss (often starting with high-frequency sounds), dizziness, or a sensation of fullness. The effects can be temporary or permanent, depending on the drug, dose, duration, and individual susceptibility.
A large study found that women under 60 who regularly took moderate-dose aspirin (325 mg or more, six to seven times per week) had a 16 per cent higher risk of developing tinnitus. Frequent use of NSAIDs and paracetamol was also linked to a nearly 20 per cent increased risk, particularly in women. Another study linked long-term use of these painkillers to a higher risk of hearing loss, especially in men under 60. In most cases, symptoms resolve once the medication is stopped, but these side effects typically occur after prolonged, high-dose use.
Other commonly used ototoxic drugs include aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamicin, which can cause irreversible hearing loss, and loop diuretics such as furosemide, which may cause temporary hearing loss in about 3 per cent of users. Certain chemotherapy drugs, particularly cisplatin, carry a significant risk of permanent hearing loss, with up to 60 per cent of patients affected.
Experts advise that the benefits of these medications often outweigh the risks, especially in life-threatening conditions. However, patients should be aware of potential hearing-related side effects and consult their doctor if they experience symptoms.
