The 4 Most Common Drugs That Can Cause Hearing Loss And Tinnitus

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

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.

Hearing loss occurs for various reasons, usually age-related and it is a slow, gradual type of hearing loss. It usually affects both ears.

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 contrary! 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).

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders about 38 million adults in the United States have some degree of hearing loss. Because millions of people are affected, you probably know someone suffering with hearing loss. My own dad has hearing loss and it’s gotten harder to communicate with him. And as for famous people, I know a few other historical ones, and I bet you do too!

Top of the list, is renowned composer and pianist, Beethoven! He started to lose his hearing in his late twenties and eventually became completely deaf. And then there was Thomas Edison who is responsible for our electric lightbulbs! And Vincent van Gogh is thought to have hearing challenges due to inhaling the lead fumes from his paints! I don’t want to scare anyone. Medication-induced hearing loss is generally considered a rare side effect but it does happen. Some drugs have a known risk of causing hearing impairment. Here they are:

1. Loop diuretics: Loop diuretics, including furosemide and ethacrynic acid 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.

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

3. Aminoglycoside antibiotics: Certain antibiotics from this category such as gentamicin, tobramycin, and streptomycin, have been linked to hearing loss and tinnitus. Prolonged use or high doses increase your risk.

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

If you experience medication-induced hearing loss or suspect you me having this side effect, see an expert, specifically an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) physician. Please don’t just quit a drug, that isn’t wise because some medications require a taper. So if you want to talk to a healthcare professional or pharmacist for personalized advice about all this, make your appointment and share all the details of when you started the medication, and when the hearing problems began.

I have a longer version of this article on my website in case it interests you, just visit suzycohen.com.

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Continued From Page 3 of goals and was thrilled to complete the first one within days of discharge.

“My friends Sage and Shane were getting married,” Danielle shared. “I got out on May 13 and made it there.”

Danielle has a number of friends who have rallied to support her since she first became ill. Some are neighborhood buddies, while others date back to her college days at Rutgers. Danielle also made another set of friends when she first moved to Philadelphia to work for AmeriCorps and went on to get her master’s degree at Temple University.

Things that Danielle once took for granted now pose significant difficulties. For instance,

Danielle is unable to walk and can’t drink a glass of water on her own. Danielle’s speech patterns slowed, and even Siri doesn’t recognize her voice to respond to commands.

Nevertheless, Danielle’s unwavering determination drives her toward reclaiming her independence. While her previous professional endeavors revolved around assisting underprivileged youth in going to college, Danielle’s personal challenges have propelled her towards a new path.

“I also want to make sure that people with disabilities have access to higher education,” said Danielle.

While undergoing diverse forms of therapy, preparing for additional surgeries, and adapting to the prospect of prosthetics, Danielle has established personal goals to guide her journey. Considering her mom as her best friend, Danielle finds immense joy in being back home with Sally and her father, Vincent. Nonetheless, Danielle holds firm plans to return to Philadelphia at the earliest opportunity to reunite with her roommates and independently care for her beloved cat, Butter.

How To Help

In the meantime, Danielle has no idea how high her medical bills have reached or whatever expenses to anticipate. The Howell community has come full force to help Danielle with a fundraiser scheduled for Sunday, June 25, 2023 from 2-6 p.m. at the Howell Elks. Tickets are available for $15 and gift basket donations are also appreciated.