Frequently taking over-the-counter painkillers could raise your risk of hearing loss and tinnitus, a top pharmacist claims. Tinnitus—a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears, even when no external sound is present—affects an estimated 7.6 million people in the UK.
But regular use of certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, could lead to an increased likelihood of developing the common hearing problems. The risk is amplified when taken in high doses or over prolonged periods, according to Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association.
Dozens of other common medications including analgesics—pain relievers—and blood pressure medications could also increase this likelihood, she added.
Dr Hannbeck told the Daily Mail: “There are many medicines that cause side effects that affect the hearing and balance, but in most cases this depends on the dose and length of use.”
Research also suggests paracetamol and NSAIDs including ibuprofen could raise the risk of tinnitus by almost a fifth.
One 2022 study by US scientists discovered that regularly taking a daily dose of paracetamol—called acetaminophen in the US—was linked to an 18 per cent raised risk of tinnitus.
Regular use of NSAIDs raised the risk by around 17 per cent. And there was a 16 per cent increased risk for moderate doses of aspirin, around 100mg a day.
However, a daily dose of aspirin that was less than 100mg was not associated with any increased chance of developing tinnitus, the team said.
Another study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, which tracked more than 62,000 women, found that frequent use of paracetamol or NSAIDs, even in typical doses, was linked to an up to 24 percent higher risk of developing hearing loss.
In men, a similar study published in the American Journal of Medicine, demonstrated that regular use—two or more times per week—of paracetamol, NSAIDs and aspirin were all associated with a higher risk of hearing loss.
Researchers speculated that the medications may reduce blood flow to the cochlea, an organ in the inner ear that helps with hearing.
While such medications are widely available without a prescription, they do have potential side effects in some people, Dr Hannbeck said.
“But most of these medicines only cause these side effect in some people not everyone and also only if more than the recommended dose is taken over longer periods of time,’ she added.
“Everyone reacts differently to medicines and side effects do not affect everyone.”
Equally, other drugs including antibiotics like aminoglycosides are also linked to hearing loss, she said.
“One of the more commonly used aminoglycosides is gentamicin.”
Gentamicin is often administered intravenously in the hospital to fight severe bacterial infections, such as a bone or an organ infection.
Available in pill form, as well as intravenously, studies suggest they may damage the sensory cells inside the ear needed for balance and hearing.
British research has shown that more than 50 percent of patients who require multiple rounds of intravenous aminoglycosides may experience hearing loss.
Even at recommended dosages, taking them ‘can result in rapid, profound, and irreversible hearing loss,’ according to one study published in the BMJ.
Researchers found that a single dose can result in permanent hearing loss in patients with a certain genetic mutation.
Dr Hannbeck added: “Some blood pressure medicines that could reduce the blood flow to the ear drum and some diuretics—water tablets—can also impact on the hearing in some people and could lead to temporary hearing loss.
“Several other medicines such as some opioids and medicines for acne can also impact on the hearing too in some people.
“But it is very important that if you have been prescribed these medicines for a condition that you do not stop taking them as per the recommended dose because medicines can harm as well as heal.
“Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you have concerns.”